The Unfamiliar
Performance & Direction: The Unfamiliar Review
Last updated: January 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Unfamiliar (2020) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Unfamiliar features a noteworthy lineup led by Jemima West . Supported by the likes of Christopher Dane and Rebecca Hanssen , 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 Unfamiliar (2020) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: The Unfamiliar
Quick Plot Summary: The Unfamiliar is a Thriller, Horror film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Unfamiliar
Ending Breakdown: The Unfamiliar attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Unfamiliar reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Unfamiliar?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Unfamiliar
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Where to Watch The Unfamiliar Online?
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Fandango At HomeThe Unfamiliar Parents Guide & Age Rating
2020 AdvisoryWondering about The Unfamiliar age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Unfamiliar is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Unfamiliar is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2020 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Unfamiliar worth watching?
The Unfamiliar is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Unfamiliar parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Unfamiliar identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Unfamiliar?
The total duration of The Unfamiliar is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Unfamiliar
**Could have been good, if it weren't so mediocre.** I've always liked horror movies, but the truth is horror doesn't work in this movie. It's not a scary movie or even original or striking. It starts well, develops pleasantly, there is a sense of paranoia that makes you really doubt whether that woman is sane, or wonder what happened to her in the war. However, halfway through, the film ends up being completely ruined thanks to an absurd anecdote about the exchange of souls, as if human bodies were clothes to wear. I don't really feel like talking too much about the plot. Suffice it, perhaps, to say that it all begins with the return of a military doctor who has been in the East, and who returns home, where her husband is a university researcher who specializes in Polynesian traditions and folklore. However, she begins to feel bad, as if there is an oppressive force there. None of this is original, we've seen a lot of films that start from these same premises and that developed much more effectively. Taking into account the weaknesses of the plot and the poor direction of Henk Pretorius, I think it is wrong to ask too much of the actors. They did what they could with what they were given to work with, and there is a very commendable effort on the part of the cast to raise the bar for the film and make something worthwhile. Unfortunately, you can't make omelettes without eggs, and all the effort came up against horrible dialogue and situations. Jemima West deserves praise for her work, as does young Harlym McMillan-Hunt. Christopher Dane and Rebecca Hansen didn't do a bad job either. Technically, it is a relatively mediocre film, without great reasons of merit. There are some good visual and special effects, and the first part of the film works very well in terms of building and managing the atmosphere and suspense. But that's just it.
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.









