Is The Ugly Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Ugly is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Ugly Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1997, The Ugly emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A female psychologist wants to understand the minds of a confessed serial killer who spent the last five years in a mental hospital because of his state. Unlike standard genre fare, The Ugly 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 Ugly features a noteworthy lineup led by Paolo Rotondo . Supported by the likes of Rebecca Hobbs and Chris Graham , 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 Ugly (1997) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Ugly Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Ugly is a Horror, Thriller 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 Ugly Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Ugly 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 Ugly reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Ugly?
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 Ugly
- Paolo Rotondo – Simon Cartwright
- Rebecca Hobbs – Dr. Karen Schumaker
- Chris Graham – Robert
- Darien Takle – Marge
- Roy Ward – Dr. Marlowe
Top Highlights
Paolo RotondoSimon Cartwright
Rebecca HobbsDr. Karen Schumaker
Chris GrahamRobert
Darien TakleMarge
Roy WardDr. Marlowe
Cath McWhirterHelen Ann Millar
Carolyn BeaverHelen's friend
Caelem PopeSimon, aged 4
Jennifer Ward-LealandEvelyn Cartwright
Finn JohnsenFuture cop
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Ugly 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 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Ugly stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ugly movie hit or flop?
The Ugly has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Ugly worth watching?
The Ugly is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Ugly online?
The Ugly 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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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
