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Crime thriller

Girl in the Basement (2021): Cast & Ratings

Girl in the Basement (2021) movie poster

Girl in the Basement is a 2021 crime thriller directed by Elisabeth Röhm, starring Stefanie Scott as Sara, Judd Nelson and Braxton Bjerken. It runs 1 hour 28 minutes. Its Echo Score is 50/100.

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Girl in the Basement (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 28m (88 min)
Director
Elisabeth Röhm
Genres
Crime , Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Girl in the Basement About?

The premise of Girl in the Basement without spoilers.

Sara eagerly anticipates her 18th birthday, dreaming of escaping her controlling father, Don. However, before she can celebrate, Don unexpectedly imprisons her in the basement of their home, shattering her hopes for freedom and independence. The situation creates a tense and unsettling atmosphere as Sara must find a way to cope with her confinement and the domineering influence of her father.

Girl in the Basement Themes & Keywords

· 44 tags
  • sneaking out
  • implied sex
  • hidden room
  • daughter raped by father
  • imprisoned woman
  • inspired by a true story
  • father daughter relationship
  • flashback
  • sister sister relationship
  • mother daughter relationship
  • bomb shelter
  • basement
+32 more
  • held hostage
  • rear entry sex
  • child of incest
  • man beats up woman
  • dead baby
  • asthma attack
  • hospital emergency room
  • arrest
  • rescue
  • listening through door
  • pregnant by father
  • domineering father
  • father daughter incest
  • father rapes daughter
  • miscarriage
  • giving birth to oneself
  • burying a dead body in a garden
  • pregnancy
  • psychological thriller
  • incest rape
  • incarceration
  • girl raped by father
  • raped by one's father
  • raped by father
  • incest
  • 21st century
  • 20th century
  • girl
  • father
  • teenager
  • bare feet
  • bare legs
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Cast & crew

Girl in the Basement Cast & Characters

Stefanie Scott leads the cast as Sara, with Judd Nelson as Don and Braxton Bjerken as Michael. Directed by Elisabeth Röhm; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Girl in the Basement

· 7 more
From the director

More from Elisabeth Röhm

More films directed by Elisabeth Röhm: Wife Stalker, Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story, Girl in Room 13 and Switched Before Birth.

Full filmography
Ratings

Girl in the Basement Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 50/100, strongest in story & flow (55) and weakest in sensory experience (42).

50 /100

Girl in the Basement Echo Score Breakdown

Girl in the Basement generates a polarized response, with viewers noting its stark emotional core yet uneven execution. The narrative’s true‑story basis elicits strong reactions, ranging from grief‑induced empathy to discomfort with its grim subject matter. Technical elements such as direction and sound design receive mixed remarks, while several reviewers commend the film’s occasional gripping moments. Ultimately, the film offers a somber, if flawed, viewing experience that appeals to some but alienates others.

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

  • Art & Craft 48

    In terms of direction and production values, critics highlight a lack of polish and uneven pacing. Several reviewers describe the writing, soundtrack, and editing as subpar, contributing to a disjointed visual flow. A few positive comments note occasional effective casting and scene composition. Overall, the film’s craft demonstrates moderate deficiencies that limit its artistic impact.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    When evaluating performances, opinions diverge between praise for certain cast members and criticism of overall acting quality. Some viewers find the portrayal of the father and supporting roles unconvincing, while others acknowledge a compelling emotional resonance in key scenes. The character depth is deemed inconsistent, resulting in a balanced but limited emotional connection across the ensemble.

  • Story & Flow 55

    The film’s narrative, rooted in a true and disturbing story, receives both commendation for its emotional weight and censure for perceived sensationalism. Reviewers cite a gripping opening and a tragic climax that resonate, yet others argue the plot feels exploitative or inadequately developed. Consequently, the story’s coherence and originality sit in a mixed zone, offering moments of engagement amid broader narrative concerns.

  • Sensory Experience 42

    Sensory components such as the soundtrack and sound design attract largely negative feedback, with critics labeling them as abysmal or distracting. Visual style receives little specific praise, suggesting a lack of distinctive aesthetic choices. While isolated scenes provide occasional atmospheric tension, the overall sensory experience detracts from immersion, resulting in a below‑average rating for this aspect.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Rewatch potential appears limited, as many reviewers describe the film as difficult to endure or emotionally draining. Nonetheless, a subset find the emotional climax compelling enough to merit a second viewing, citing its tragic resolution. The balance of these perspectives yields a modest rewatch factor, reflecting both the film’s disturbing content and its occasional resonance.

Videos

Girl in the Basement Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Girl in the Basement.

Girl in the Basement | Trailer
Details

Girl in the Basement Also Known As

21 alternative titles, including “Menina no porão” and “Garota do porão”.

Also known as
  • Menina no porão
  • Garota do porão
  • 地牢里的女孩
  • La chica en el sótano
  • Девушка в подвале
  • Torturada Pelo Próprio Pai
  • Το Κορίτσι στο Υπόγειο
  • 禁錮莎拉
  • ילדה במרתף
  • Mergina rūsyje
  • Bodrumdaki Kız
  • فتاة في القبو
+9 more
  • 地牢女孩
  • Djevojka u podrumu
  • Dívka ve sklepě
  • Dievča v pivnici
  • 걸 인 더 베이스먼트
  • Fata din pivniță
  • ガール・イン・ザ・ベースメント
  • Cô Gái Bị Nhốt Dưới Hầm
  • Dziewczyna w piwnicy, გოგონა სარდაფში

Seen Girl in the Basement?

FAQ

Girl in the Basement FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Girl in the Basement, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Girl in the Basement?

Girl in the Basement runs 1 hour 28 minutes (88 minutes).

When was Girl in the Basement released?

Girl in the Basement was released on February 27, 2021.

Who directed Girl in the Basement?

Girl in the Basement was directed by Elisabeth Röhm.

More films by Elisabeth Röhm

Who is in the cast of Girl in the Basement?

Girl in the Basement stars Stefanie Scott as Sara, Judd Nelson as Don and Braxton Bjerken as Michael, among 11 credited actors.

Does Girl in the Basement have a post-credit scene?

No. Girl in the Basement has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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