The Wretched
Performance & Direction: The Wretched Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Wretched (2019) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. 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 Wretched features a noteworthy lineup led by John-Paul Howard . Supported by the likes of Piper Curda and Jamison Jones , 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 Wretched (2019) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Wretched
Quick Plot Summary: The Wretched is a Horror, Mystery, 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.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A rebellious teenage boy, struggling with his parents' imminent divorce, encounters a terrifying evil after his next-door neighbor becomes possessed by an ancient witch that feasts on children. 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 Wretched
Ending Breakdown: The Wretched concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 Wretched reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Wretched?
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 Wretched
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $66.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $4.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Wretched Budget
The estimated production budget for The Wretched is $66.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Wretched
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Wretched Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeThe Wretched Parents Guide & Age Rating
2019 AdvisoryWondering about The Wretched age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Wretched is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Wretched is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2019 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wretched worth watching?
The Wretched is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Wretched parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Wretched identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Wretched?
The total duration of The Wretched is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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How The Wretched Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Wretched
Well well well... I am not certain what to think of this film to be honest. Overall, yes, it is a horror film and a unique story. But I have a thing against what they call a “teenage horror film.” Somehow these films don’t do it for me. Overall, the acting was mediocre as well. The make up person of the “monster”, you are the reason I don’t hate this film. Hats off to you. Would I watch it again? No. Would I make my friends watch it? No.
On a micro-level, 'The Wretched' gets the job done. The Pierce Brothers and their crew suck viewers in with pulpy wet sounds of flesh popping open or bones splintering. The simple pleasure of watching filmmakers take time to tease out their monster is slight, but it goes a long way when you stack 'The Wretched' up against its competition. Pick out any number of horror titles that came out in 2020, and see how well the Pierce Brothers film their witch in comparison. These scare scenes aren't just competent - they're consummately disgusting and appreciably creepy, too. - Jake Watt Read Jake's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-wretched-uneven-but-satisfyingly-disgusting
I was stoked for The Wretched as it was one of the first mainstream movies released straight to VOD after a month of pandemic lockdown. It started great -- the usual horror-movie prologue was gripping and disturbing. The story was intriguing and mildly original with a "Rear Window" sub-plot that works well. And the creature effects were outstanding. Unfortunately, the lead protagonist was dull and annoyingly selfish to the point that it dragged most of the movie down with him, redemption arc notwithstanding.
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.
