The Lower Depths (1936): cast, story & where to watch
1936 · Film · ★ 7.5
Released in 1936, The Lower Depths is a drama, crime and romance film directed by Jean Renoir, running about 92 minutes. “From the world-famous play by MAXIM GORKI” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Inhabitants of a flophouse struggle to survive under the harsh treatment imposed by the landlord, Kostyleva. One resident, young thief Wasska Pepel, ends his affair with the landlord's wife, Vassilissa, and takes up with her sister, Natacha. Pepel also befriends the baron, a former nobleman fallen on hard times, but Pepel's attempts at happiness are complicated when he's accused of murder by a spiteful Vassilissa.
Who’s in it. The Lower Depths stars Jean Gabin as Pepel Wasska, Suzy Prim as Vassilissa Kostyleva, Louis Jouvet as Le baron and Jany Holt as Nastia, la prostituée, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.5/10, The Lower Depths has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel and France Channel Amazon Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Lower Depths page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Lower Depths tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Lower Depths (1936)?
- In US, The Lower Depths is available to stream on Criterion Channel and France Channel Amazon Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Lower Depths worth watching?
- The Lower Depths holds an audience score of 7.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama, crime and romance. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in The Lower Depths?
- The Lower Depths stars Jean Gabin, Suzy Prim, Louis Jouvet, Jany Holt and Junie Astor.
- When was The Lower Depths released?
- The Lower Depths was released in 1936, with a runtime of about 92 minutes.