---
title: "Shame"
year: 2011
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/shame-2011"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 76025
imdb_id: "tt1723811"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 102
community_rating: 6.9
vote_count: 3444
content_rating: "NC-17"
---

# Shame (2011) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/shame-2011

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Shame is a 2011 film centered on the life of a man named Brandon who resides in New York. The narrative explores his struggle with a compulsive addiction to sex while he simultaneously avoids intimacy with women. The structure of Brandon's daily life begins to shift when his younger sister arrives to stay temporarily at his apartment. Her presence serves as a catalyst that stirs up bitter memories regarding their shared and painful past. As these recollections surface, Brandon finds himself unable to maintain his composure. The intrusion of his family history into his current environment causes his fragile mental state to deteriorate, eventually leading his life to spiral out of control. The film examines the internal conflict of a man attempting to manage his deepest desires while facing the sudden disruption of his private world. By focusing on the intersection of his compulsions and his familial relationships, the story depicts the breakdown of his carefully constructed existence in the city.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A New York man's compulsive sex addiction unravels when his sister moves in."

### Why Watch
- Powerful performances
- Unflinching look at addiction
- Atmospheric New York setting

### Caveats & Content Note
- Explicit sexual content may deter some viewers
- Bleak tone offers little relief
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains explicit sexual scenes and mature themes, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: intense, raw, psychological, character-driven

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies |
| **Australia (AU)** | Beamafilm, HBO Max | Beamafilm | Google Play Movies, YouTube, Beamafilm |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Steve McQueen
- **Networks / Studios**: HanWay Films, See-Saw Films, Lipsync Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Michael Fassbender** as *Brandon*
- **Carey Mulligan** as *Sissy*
- **James Badge Dale** as *David*
- **Nicole Beharie** as *Marianne*
- **Lucy Walters** as *Woman on Subway Train*
- **Mari-Ange Ramirez** as *Alexa*
- **Alex Manette** as *Steven*
- **Hannah Ware** as *Samantha*
- **Elizabeth Masucci** as *Elizabeth*
- **Rachel Farrar** as *Rachel*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the main character's struggle?
Brandon battles a compulsive sex addiction and avoids intimacy with women.

### Q: Where is the film set?
The story takes place in New York City.

### Q: What rating does the film have?
It received an NC‑17 rating in the United States.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour 42 minutes.

### Q: When was it released?
It was released in the United States on December 2, 2011.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*