The Wretched | Film Review

Movie clichés are not lost on the horror genre, in fact they are often largely put on display. Particularly, when it comes to the classic story involving kids wanting to investigate peculiar cult-y strangers and creepy cellars or attics (think Ari Aster flicks). But what about those select few – such as this latest addition The Wretched – that catch you off guard?

Immediately we are dropped into Ben’s life (John-Paul Howard), a somewhat troublesome teenager who works for his father and snags the attention of his fellow lady peers. Ben’s father, Liam (Jamison Jones), is a soon-to-be divorcee that runs the local harbor and is doing his damnedest to care for his son. After unusual activity from the neighbors and their boy misses his lesson at the harbor, Ben feels compelled to uncover what is really going on behind closed doors.

The father-son relationship between Ben and Liam feels strained but loving, and Howard and Jones play both sides of that fully. Ben’s complexities as a character beyond being a teenager are vital to the story, from how he broke his arm to the discontent he has with his parents splitting. John-Paul Howard somehow keeps us on Ben’s side with a great performance, even though he’s got the voice of a 36 year old and the face of a 26 year old, while playing a 16 year old. 

Realistically, there’s not a bad casting in the film. Aside from Howard and Jones, the witch next door, played by Zarah Mahler, is cunningly seductive. The power of her character is truly settled with the timing and placement of the camera, usually leaving you pointing at the screen after analyzing the set to find her. I can’t say that The Wretched will leave you with nightmares, but it will definitely make you close your blinds and not care about what’s happening with your neighbors. Get a security system, what can I say. 

In many ways, the first and second act of The Wretched appear very paint-by-numbers in the story progression and how safe it’s played – almost to the point of disappointment. Thankfully, the third act is more than redeemable with its twists and turns. Writers and directors Brett Pierce and Drew T. Pierce clearly took the time to map out their vision and see it to fruition, with all of the indicators of the conclusion planted from the get-go.

An ultimately surprising and engaging take on this popular sub-genre of cult horror, The Wretched is anything but.