Fish Tank

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2:03

Fish Tank

2010

2h 4m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

151 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Mia (Katie Jarvis) is a rebellious teenager on the verge of being kicked out of school. Her hard-partying mother, Joanne (Kierston Wareing), neglects Mia's welfare in favor of her own, and her younger sister (Rebecca Griffiths) hangs out with a much older crowd. Sparks fly between Mia and Connor (Michael Fassbender), Joanne's new boyfriend, and he encourages Mia to pursue her interest in dance. As the boundaries of the relationships become blurred, Mia and Joanne compete for Connor's affection.

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Critics Consensus

Cannes Jury Prize-winner Fish Tank is gritty British realism at its very best, with flawless performances from newcomer Kate Jarvis, and Michael Fassbender.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

It's not wholly convincing and its view of tower-block dwellers may well be patronising, but it is utterly absorbing and has such impact that you seriously have to gather yourself afterwards.

Aug 30, 2018

Full Review

Kristin M. Jones

Film Comment Magazine

[Andrea] Arnold has a knack for subtle details but also for portraying female characters whose natural warmth and energy have been muted by trauma or social isolation.

Sep 24, 2014

Full Review

Keith Uhlich

Time Out

An assured piece of phoniness.

Rated: 2/5

Nov 17, 2011

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Mia’s downward spiral leads her on an inevitable path that becomes increasingly painful for the audience to endure, but that’s why Arnold’s film is so successful.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 22, 2023

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

[Katie Jarvis] had never acted before, and in reality, she doesn’t act, instead she lives before the cameras. [Full review in Spanish]

Jul 19, 2022

Full Review

Jason Best

Movie Talk

Agritty, gripping drama that boasts a terrific performance by newcomer Katie Jarvis.

Nov 24, 2020

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Beth R

All the adults in this movie suck but it has a gritty realistic vibe that just draws you in. And the lead girl is very convincing as Mia the troubled teen navigating life in Londons public housing

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/15/25

Full Review

thiago s

Filme mais ou menos, o roteiro é fraco, o filme mostra Uma garota que passa por problemas difíceis só no começo, por que depois um vida normal com poucos acontecimentos interessantes, um pouco mais prara frente ela dá o cu para o cara que frequentava a casa dela e não teve interessante de resto do filme. Por isso eu não recomendo esse filme.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/07/25

Full Review

SASKIA A

Charming and challenging must see! We watch the characters digress into unsafe territory as they navigate something taboo. Fascinating how Arnold portrays the naivety, desire and human curiosity of the young female spirit. Challenging watch but worth it. Didn't do what I was expecting.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/04/24

Full Review

Aarati J

One of my favorites. Rented it on a whim and so grateful I did. A realistic view of what principles and integrity look like in people that often get stereotyped as being incapable of such attributes.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/23

Full Review

Georgan G

This film demonstrates excellence in story-telling about the intimate details of a 15-year-old impoverished female trapped in London public housing. The acting was amazing, especially Jarvis & Fassbender.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/22/23

Full Review

isla s

This is a somewhat bleak depiction of a teen girls life on an estate, with few people looking out for her, trying to get by in her less than ideal home life. She's quite lairy and anti-social but I don't entirely blame her. I thought the film featured good performances and some thoughtful moments - the best part of it is when we see the main character, Mia, escape her surroundings via dance. Her concentration and determination to give her all during the choreographed sequences shown. I thought Katie Jarvis did well in this role and yes, its a film I'd recommend.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Andrea Arnold

Director

Michael Fassbender

Connor

Katie Jarvis

Mia

Kierston Wareing

Mia's mother

Harry Treadaway

Kyle

Charlotte Collins

Sophie

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Synopsis

Mia (Katie Jarvis) is a rebellious teenager on the verge of being kicked out of school. Her hard-partying mother, Joanne (Kierston Wareing), neglects Mia's welfare in favor of her own, and her younger sister (Rebecca Griffiths) hangs out with a much older crowd. Sparks fly between Mia and Connor (Michael Fassbender), Joanne's new boyfriend, and he encourages Mia to pursue her interest in dance. As the boundaries of the relationships become blurred, Mia and Joanne compete for Connor's affection.

Director: Andrea Arnold
Producer: Kees Kasander
Screenwriter: Andrea Arnold
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: UK Film Council, BBC Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 15, 2010, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 17, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $373.1K
Runtime: 2h 4m