If you are stuck at home like billions of other people around the globe, there is no doubt that you are looking for entertainment to help past time time away. I think my family and I have pretty much watched everything we wanted to on Netflix and Disney+. Now we’re looking towards new movie releases that we can rent or purchase.
If you are a long time reader of my site, you know how much I enjoy the horror movie genre. The scarier the better! Sadly, these days most movies don’t live up to their hype. The last horror movie that really knocked my socks off was released in 2016. Needless to say, it’s been a long time. That is not to say that the next best horror movie isn’t right around the corner. For that reason, I am always happy to review horror movie titles.
Available now on digital on VOD (Video on Demand) is the horror/supernatural film, The Wretched. The film is also showing at some drive-in movie theaters around the country;
West Wind Glendale Drive-in, AZ
West Wind Sacramento Drive-in, CA
Ocala Drive-In, FL
Starlight Drive-In Theatre, GA
Jesup Drive-In Twin in Jesup, GA
The Wretched stars John-Paul Howard, Piper Curda, Jamison Jones, Zarah Mahler, Kevin Bigley, and Blane Crockarell.
The Wretched stars a teen boy named Ben, whose parents are in the process of getting a divorce.
Ben is sent to live with his father for the summer. His father lives outside of town with only one close neighbor (and when I say close, it looks like they are on the same property).
Ben’s father makes him take up a job at the local marina, along side his father’s new girlfriend.
As if dealing with his parent’s divorce, having to live with his father for the summer, and his father’s new girlfriend, Ben also has to deal with the obnoxious teenage snobs who belong to the marina. Needless to say, Ben is having a hard time of it all.
Thankfully Ben makes friends with another marina employee, Mallory. Ben and Mallory develop a flirty friendship (mostly on Mallory’s side of the relationship).
To make matters even worse, Ben’s creepy neighbors.
Living next door to Ben’s father is a couple and their young son. The wife, Abbie, is a tough-as-nails woman who can literally gut deer without batting an eyelash.
One day Abbie’s young son disappears. It’s a tragedy that no family should have to endure, however, Abbie seems to totally forget that she even had a son. How can that be?
Not only does Abbie and her husband suddenly forget they have a missing son, Abbie’s behavior changes radically. Suddenly Abbie is acting strangely and dressing very provocatively. She’s suddenly oozing sex appeal, even though you would expect her to be heartbroken and depressed about her missing child.
What in the world is going on? Is the whole town going crazy? Or is Ben going crazy thinking that Abbie even has a missing son? To find out what is really going on you need to purchase or rent The Wretched. Look for it where ever movies are sold/rented.
I was sent a free screener to watch so I could review this film. For that reason I do not know if there will be any bonus features available.
When I first saw the trailer, the film looked really good to me. Check out the trailer (below) to see what I mean.
The part where the creepy hand comes out of the belly of the deer looks awesome (remember, I’m a horror movie fan). There are a few scenes in the trailer that are also pretty good.
I have to admit that when I initially watched the film, I was left scratching my head when it was over because I don’t quite know what just happened. The ending of the film threw me for a loop. Let’s just say I never saw the ending coming… never!
The film it’s self had more of a B movie feel to it. The acting was OK. No one really stood out from the cast of characters.
For die hard horror movie fans, this film will not overly impress you, but there are certain scenes and special effects that will certainly gain your respect. For those who are afraid of every little bump in the night, then be forewarned if you plan on watching this movie. There are some scenes I know you’ll keep your eyes shut tightly for.
I liked the way the story was going (creepy neighbors, scary monster, mystery disappearance), but I think it could have been executed a little better. Take for example the ending. It certainly threw me off. I just wish that there was more of an explanation about the ending – unless I totally missed something?
The special effects are really good, as you can see from the trailer. The monster emerging from the deer carcass is my favorite scene in the film. That whole scene played out perfectly.
Overall I liked the film. I didn’t love it, but I did like it enough that if/when I see it on television, I will tune in to watch it again.
Look for the hashtag #TheWretched on social media to see what others are saying about the film.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener link in order to review this film. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.