The Wretched

IFC Films | Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2020

6.2	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 24 Ratings

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Draconis87Nov 1, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really liked the movie, and how cleverly, intended or not, the writers created their creature from a mix of lore. First the creature seems to be an evil version of a dryad, or wood nymph, but also a skin walker, with just enough display to confirm both and enough omission to deny either. There is also the slight implication that there are several others in the area, and that possibility opens doors to create future stories. Lastly I would like to propose a theory, and I understand it may not be initially understood or accepted, but just ponder this....Mallory. The twist at the end, Mallory. What if Mallory is not possessed by the evil “dryad” witch, but is in fact herself a “naiad” witch? The lore somewhat lines up throughout the movie to set up her character as a “naiad”. A dryad is attached to a tree or forest, and a naiad is attached to a body of water. Mallory is almost always seen by the lake. Naiads are also seen as protectors of young girls, hinted at when she is seen helping the girl find the restroom. Naiads are also jealous creatures, and Mallory is seen clearly upset at Ben and avoids him until she finds his apology tribute. Mallory is seen as a “caretaker of the lake” just as the dryad is the “caretaker of the forest”. My question is this, what if this whole movie is about a territorial feud between a “dryad” and a “naiad”??? The evil dryad has competition who made herself known when she wrote the note, so she stole her sister, leading in turn the naiad to seek revenge in return, using Ben as her champion. Needing to keep her hands clean, Mallory is clearly seducing Ben in her retaliation against the dryad who stole her sister, and may even be just playing along when she is shown to forget her, just to avoid suspicion. Ben being an obvious virgin throughout the film hints at why he is not mind controlled, but only somewhat seduced to action, and his age makes him less ideal for food for the dryad, as younger children can feed her tree for longer, thereby extending her life even more. In the end when Mallory is on the boat with the kids, it could be that the territory feud is finally over, and with Ben gone for awhile, she can now resume feeding on children unsuspected and unchallenged. If there is a sequel, I think that Ben would be older when he returns, and possibly be fully seduced and controlled by Mallory, who is now trying to once again fend off a forest creature, or even a new one from her plethora of tourist crop. Ben would probably be killed or sacrifice himself for her, and most likely not be the main protagonist. The new protagonist might be his younger brother, who survived one witch, and seeks to protect others from another one.
I’m just brainstorming here, but I do think the movie heavily hints at lore that is used to validate these creatures in a dark way, and it would be fun to see more.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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TryASummersaultMay 2, 2020

A well executed practical effect focused throwback horror story, that delivers the disturbing imagery and a coming of age feel that older horror's had more of. The Wretched trailer caught my eye a few months back and i thought it lookedA well executed practical effect focused throwback horror story, that delivers the disturbing imagery and a coming of age feel that older horror's had more of. The Wretched trailer caught my eye a few months back and i thought it looked very intriguing. I then saw it was also receiving some great reviews from the festivals it was shown at especially for its practical effects and 80's type presentation. I have always been looking for a witch themed film like this but had always been let down by blown potential of past films which I'm sure everyone can guess...

Honestly this film finally scratched the itch i had for a vicious witch tale with excellent makeup/practical effects that isn't afraid to show viewers actual visuals of the main terrifying entities we've read or heard about for ages. The story also has a relative coming of age kind of feel to it with the main character that reminded me of many horror films of the 80's and made it more charming and fun. There were even some well placed sprinkles of comedy throughout that showed the film didn't have to take itself as serious or pretentious as some have.

Direction wise the camerawork is also very crisp and very well done, and the SFX add a lot to the experience. What really shines as i already mentioned, is the extreme attention to detail in the makeup/practical effects realm. To make a great creature/feature horror film, these are integral. To see a film in 2020 utilize that good old fashioned practical craft over CGI effects is very commendable and refreshing.

There are some moments that many will find cliche, and a few twists that may seem a bit unnecessary, but few and far between when considering how well done this lower budget film ends up finishing. Overall it's a fun throwback and a very straightforward horror film that gives the visual goods and the ominous feel that should come with its subject matter.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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JLauSep 23, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A tree witch is collecting children by making families forget they exist whilst wearing people's skin.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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