Is The Lodger Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Lodger is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Lodger Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, The Lodger emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Follows a seasoned detective on the trail of a ruthless killer intent on slaughtering prostitutes along West Hollywood's Sunset Strip. Unlike standard genre fare, The Lodger attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Lodger features a noteworthy lineup led by Alfred Molina . Supported by the likes of Hope Davis and Shane West , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Lodger (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Lodger Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Lodger is a Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Drama film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Lodger Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Lodger attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Lodger reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Lodger?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Lodger
- Alfred Molina – Chandler Manning
- Hope Davis – Ellen Bunting
- Shane West – Street Wilkenson
- Donal Logue – Bunting
- Philip Baker Hall – Captain Smith
Top Highlights
Alfred MolinaChandler Manning
Hope DavisEllen Bunting
Shane WestStreet Wilkenson
Donal LogueBunting
Philip Baker HallCaptain Smith
Rachael Leigh CookAmanda
Rebecca PidgeonDr. Jessica Westmin
Simon BakerMalcolm
François ChauSam
Mel HarrisMargaret
Where to Watch The Lodger Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
The Lodger is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Lodger stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Lodger movie hit or flop?
The Lodger has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Lodger worth watching?
The Lodger is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Mystery, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Lodger online?
The Lodger may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Lodger
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
