The Reckoning
Performance & Direction: The Reckoning Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Reckoning (2021) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Reckoning features a noteworthy lineup led by Charlotte Kirk . Supported by the likes of Sean Pertwee and Steven Waddington , 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 Reckoning (2021) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Reckoning
Quick Plot Summary: The Reckoning is a Horror, 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.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. In the aftermath of the Great Plague and amidst the subsequent witch-hunts against women, a young widow grapples with the tragic death of her husband in a society completely consumed by fear and death. Because she rejects the advances of her landlord, she is falsely accused of being a witch and thrown in jail for a crime she didn’t commit. She must endure physical persecution at the hands of England’s most ruthless witch-hunter and face her own inner demons as the devil himself starts to work his way into her mind. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: The Reckoning
Ending Breakdown: The Reckoning concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 Reckoning reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Reckoning?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: The Reckoning
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $596.8K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Top Cast: The Reckoning
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Reckoning Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
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Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeThe Reckoning Parents Guide & Age Rating
2021 AdvisoryWondering about The Reckoning age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Reckoning is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Reckoning is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2021 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Reckoning worth watching?
The Reckoning is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Reckoning parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Reckoning identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Reckoning?
The total duration of The Reckoning is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Reckoning
Has its moments but didn't quite do it for me, especially with some of the cheesier moments (when our main character hallucinates the demon or devil), and the musical cues of Sean Pertee's religious judgeship is way over-the-top. But I did like Charlotte Kirk in the lead, even though for basically the entire movie her hair and makeup looked excellent, and some of the direction by Neil Marshall was okay. Could have been way better. **3.0/5**
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
