The Lower Depths
“From the world-famous play by MAXIM GORKI”
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.
Where to watch The Lower Depths in United States
Can I watch The Lower Depths in United States? Yes — you can stream The Lower Depths in United States on Criterion Channel, France Channel Amazon Channel, and Mometu.
Criterion Channel
France Channel Amazon Channel
MometuClick a service to open The Lower Depths there. Availability last verified on October 20, 2026.
Where is The Lower Depths streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Criterion Channel, France Channel Amazon Channel, Mometu | — |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | — |
| France | Gaumont Amazon Channel | Apple TV Store, Canal VOD, Sooner |
| Spain | Filmin | — |
| Japan | FOD | — |
About The Lower Depths
The Lower Depths is a 1936 French-language drama, romance and crime film directed by Jean Renoir. The cast is led by Jean Gabin, Suzy Prim, Louis Jouvet. It has a runtime of 1h 32m. Viewers rate it 7.2/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, France Channel Amazon Channel, Mometu.
The Lower Depths was produced by Albatros and made in France. It was released on December 11, 1936.
- Director
- Jean Renoir
- Writers
- Evgeny Zamyatin, Jacques Companéez, Jean Renoir
- Release date
- December 11, 1936
- Original language
- French
- Status
- Released
- Country
- France
- Production
- Albatros
The Lower Depths cast & crew
The Lower Depths was directed by Jean Renoir and written by Evgeny Zamyatin, Jacques Companéez, and Jean Renoir.
The cast features Jean Gabin as Pepel Wasska, Suzy Prim as Vassilissa Kostyleva, Louis Jouvet as Le baron, Jany Holt as Nastia, la prostituée, Junie Astor as Natacha, la sœur de Vassilissa, and Nathalie Alexeief-Darsène as Anna.
Behind the camera, cinematography is by Fédote Bourgasoff and it was produced by Alexandre Kamenka.
Is The Lower Depths worth watching?
The Lower Depths holds an audience score of 7.2/10 from 84 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 1h 32m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy drama, romance, and crime, The Lower Depths is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch The Lower Depths
In United States, you can stream The Lower Depths on Criterion Channel, France Channel Amazon Channel, and Mometu. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of The Lower Depths
Jean Gabin
Pepel Wasska
Suzy Prim
Vassilissa Kostyleva
Louis Jouvet
Le baron
Jany Holt
Nastia, la prostituée
Junie Astor
Natacha, la sœur de Vassilissa
Nathalie Alexeief-Darsène
Anna
Vladimir Sokoloff
le vieux Kostileff
Robert Le Vigan
l'acteur alcoolique
Camille Bert
le comte
André Gabriello
le commissaire Toptoum
René Génin
Lukas, le philosophe
Léon Larive
Félix, le valet de chambre du baron
The Lower Depths — FAQs
▸Where can I watch The Lower Depths in United States?
The Lower Depths is streaming on Criterion Channel, France Channel Amazon Channel, Mometu in United States.
▸Is The Lower Depths on Criterion Channel?
Yes — The Lower Depths is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is The Lower Depths in?
The Lower Depths is originally in French. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is The Lower Depths?
The Lower Depths runs 1 hours 32 minutes (92 minutes).
▸What is The Lower Depths rated?
It holds a 7.2/10 audience score from 84 ratings.
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