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Drama thriller

1922 (2017): Cast, Ratings & Ending

1922 (2017) movie poster

1922 is a 2017 drama thriller directed by Zak Hilditch, starring Thomas Jane as Wilfred James, Molly Parker and Dylan Schmid. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes and was made on a reported $5 million budget. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
92%
Echo Score
69
Metascore
70
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1922 (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m (102 min)
Director
Zak Hilditch
Genres
Drama , Mystery , Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
Budget
$5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is 1922 About?

The premise of 1922 without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In 1922 Nebraska, Wilfred James recounts the disturbing events leading to the murder of his wife, Arlette. Following the act, a palpable sense of dread descends upon the family and their surroundings. Wilfred and his son are then haunted by what they believe to be the vengeful spirit of Arlette, though it’s increasingly unclear whether the threat is supernatural or a manifestation of their own guilt and paranoia. The unsettling atmosphere and blurring lines between reality and delusion create a chilling exploration of domestic horror.

1922 Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • 1920s
  • rat
  • based on short story
  • farmer
  • farm
  • murder
  • murder of wife
  • guilt
  • father son relationship
  • year 1922
  • cow
  • rural setting
+38 more
  • 1930s
  • based on novel
  • crime spree
  • teen pregnancy
  • teenage son
  • loss of son
  • corpse
  • dead body
  • stabbed to death
  • blood
  • snow
  • well
  • sheriff
  • mortgage
  • barn
  • rat bite
  • animal attack
  • amputation
  • amputated hand
  • stabbing
  • butcher knife
  • basement
  • dragging a body
  • voice over narration
  • farmer as protagonist
  • psychosis
  • retribution
  • based on the works of stephen king
  • one word title
  • husband wife relationship
  • year as title
  • american flag
  • listening through a wall
  • writing a confession
  • nebraska
  • 100 acre farm
  • 80 acre farm
  • cornfield
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Cast & crew

1922 Cast & Characters

Thomas Jane leads the cast as Wilfred James, with Molly Parker as Arlette James and Dylan Schmid as Henry James. Directed by Zak Hilditch; 17 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in 1922

· 13 more
From the director

More from Zak Hilditch

More films directed by Zak Hilditch, best-rated first: These Final Hours, We Bury the Dead, We Bury the Dead and Transmission.

Full filmography
Ratings

1922 Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave 1922 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

69 /100

1922 Echo Score Breakdown

1922 demonstrates a measured commitment to visual craft and performance but is undermined by uneven pacing and a lack of enduring engagement. Viewers and critics alike note the film’s consistently strong cinematography, careful production design, and atmospheric sound design that effectively convey its period milieu. Performances, especially by the central cast, earn praise for their conviction and emotional weight. However, the narrative’s slow-burning structure and limited originality limit its rewatch appeal. Overall, the film registers as a competent adaptation that struggles to maintain momentum or lasting impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels with its detailed period production and polished visual composition. Reviews highlight consistently strong cinematography, meticulous set dressing, and impressive practical effects that anchor the story in its 1920s setting. Although editing and pacing occasionally feel deliberate, the overall design and framing effectively support the narrative. The net impression is a visually striking presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film delivers compelling performances and credible emotional arcs. Critics and audiences cite strong lead portrayals that capture psychological decline with conviction. Supporting players contribute depth to familial dynamics, and the depiction of guilt and obsession resonates through measured acting choices. Overall, the character work grounds the narrative in human stakes and delivers a persuasive emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, the film presents a coherent but uneven narrative that unfolds at a measured pace. While the plot maintains thematic consistency and builds tension through gradual developments, multiple reviewers note sluggish pacing and limited originality in its supernatural thriller structure. Engagement peaks during key dramatic moments but overall pacing moderates the impact. The net sense is a serviceable yet underwhelming storyline.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, the film offers a richly atmospheric soundscape and cohesive visual style. Audiences praise the atmospheric score, effective sound design, and immersive practical effects that reinforce its period authenticity. Combined with disciplined color palettes and restrained visual motifs, these elements generate a consistent mood. The net effect is a sensory presentation that heightens tension and supports the film’s haunting tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    When it comes to rewatch factor, the film offers limited incentive for repeated viewings. While strong performances and visual atmosphere remain appreciable, the slow-burning pace and modest narrative variation reduce its long-term appeal. Reviewers and viewers report that initial tension subsides on subsequent watches, and the story’s familiarity diminishes its replay value. The overall impression is of modest lasting engagement.

Plot

1922 Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in 1922 from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1922, Wilfred “Wilf” James (Thomas Jane) is a farmer residing in Hemingford Home, Nebraska, alongside his wife, Arlette (Molly Parker), and their teenage son, Henry (Dylan Schmid). The couple is embroiled in a heated disagreement over Arlette’s inherited land; while Arlette is keen to sell and relocate to Omaha, Wilf, valuing his pride above all, vehemently opposes this plan. Driven by desperation to maintain both his land and his bond with Henry, Wilf concocts a sinister plot to murder Arlette, manipulating his son by threatening the relationship with Henry’s girlfriend, Shannon (Kaitlyn Bernard).

Full summary

The whole story of 1922, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Videos

1922 Trailers & Videos

The trailer of 1922.

1922 | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know 1922?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the role of Wilfred 'Wilf' James in the film?

Cars

Cars in 1922

19 cars on screen, including the Ford Model T and the 1917 Ford Model T.

All 19 cars
  • Ford Model T in 1922 Ford Model T Important role
  • 1917 Ford Model T in 1922 1917 Ford Model T Important role
  • 1924 Cadillac V-63 in 1922 1924 Cadillac V-63 Minor role
  • Chevrolet unknown in 1922 Chevrolet unknown Minor role
Details

1922 Also Known As

Also known as “Χίλια Εννιακόσια Είκοσι Δύο”.

Also known as
  • Χίλια Εννιακόσια Είκοσι Δύο

Seen 1922?

FAQ

1922 FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of 1922, each answered in a sentence.

How long is 1922?

1922 runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

When was 1922 released?

1922 was released on October 20, 2017.

Who directed 1922?

1922 was directed by Zak Hilditch.

More films by Zak Hilditch

Who is in the cast of 1922?

1922 stars Thomas Jane as Wilfred James, Molly Parker as Arlette James and Dylan Schmid as Henry James, among 17 credited actors.

What was the budget of 1922?

1922 had a reported budget of $5 million.

How is 1922 rated?

1922 has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic and 59% on TMDB.

Does 1922 have a post-credit scene?

No. 1922 has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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