The Dreadful

Name: The Dreadful
Genre: Thriller, Horror
Released: February 20, 2026
Duration: 94 min
Rating: 33

2026

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Generally unfavorable reviews based on 7 Critic Reviews

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Movie Details & Credits

Lionsgate | Release Date: February 20, 2026 | R

Summary: Set in medieval England, Anne (Sophie Turner) and her domineering mother-in-law Morwen (Marcia Gay Harden) struggle to survive on the outskirts of society. But when a man from Anne’s past returns from war, a curse begins to take shape through a mysterious knight and threatens to destroy them all.

Genre(s): Thriller, Horror

Rating: R

Runtime: 94 min

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Critic Reviews

William Bibbiani

Mar 1, 2026

The Dreadful is worth watching for Harden’s perfidious performance alone. And whenever she’s not on-screen it’s worth the wait. Read full review

Collider Therese Lacson

Feb 20, 2026

Ultimately, Kermani's film is not strong enough to be called a complete success. Its lackluster ending and uneven characters weigh it down from potentially becoming a cult hit. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Marya E. Gates

Feb 20, 2026

A morality play wrapped up in gothic horror tropes, “The Dreadful” is definitely committed to the bit, and its darkly medieval setting is a refreshing change of pace. I just wish it were a medieval tapestry that worked as a whole, rather than just in fits and starts. Read full review

James Grebey

Feb 19, 2026

A too-modern sensibility and a drastic change from the original folktale lead the movie dreadfully astray. Read full review

Frank Scheck

Feb 19, 2026

The Dreadful is the sort of film that prides itself on being a slow burn but ultimately more resembles a fizzle. Except for Marcia Gay Harden. By all means, give her character a sequel. Read full review

The Travers Take Peter Travers

Feb 20, 2026

This medieval borefest drags down the talents of Sophie Turner and Kit Harington, but can be commended for one thing: truth in advertising. It’s dreadful to the max. Read full review

Brandon Yu

Feb 19, 2026

The knight might represent the contagion of human evil, and Anne’s story a journey of proto-feminism, but for all its big themes, the most resonant is the film’s title. Read full review

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