What's in a Name (2012)
A dinner party unravels as a provocative baby name ignites a darkly funny, intimate, and satirical battle of wits.
Vincent, a wealthy real estate agent, is invited to dinner by his sister Elizabeth and her husband Peter, both professors in Paris. Claude, a childhood friend and trombonist in a symphony orchestra, is also present. Vincent brings news from the prenatal examination of his and his wife Anna's unborn son. The name chosen by the soon-to-be parents strongly offends the others for many reasons. The dispute between the guests quickly escalates and before long the resurgence of old grudges and hidden secrets is unavoidable...
How intense is What's in a Name?
What's in a Name has no gore and no real violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a date-night pick. The humor runs dry and dark.
What What's in a Name feels like
- Tone
- darkly comicintimatesatirical
- Pace
- Measured
- Humor
- dry and witty, dark and satirical
- Best for
- Full attentionDate night
Where to stream What's in a Name
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 16, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is What's in a Name for you?
Is What's in a Name scary?
No. What's in a Name is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is What's in a Name gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and no real violence (0 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is What's in a Name sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
How long is What's in a Name?
What's in a Name runs 1h 49m.
Where can I stream What's in a Name?
What's in a Name is streaming on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home (free) and Tubi.
Does What's in a Name have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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