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Drama horror film

Gwen (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Gwen (2019) movie poster

Gwen is a 2019 drama horror film directed by William McGregor, starring Eleanor Worthington-Cox as Gwen, Jodie Innes and Maxine Peake. It runs 1 hour 24 minutes and earned $47,140 worldwide on a $2 million budget. Critics gave it 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10.

IMDb rating
5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
71%
worldwide gross
$47.1K
Echo Score
70
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Gwen (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 24m (84 min)
Director
William McGregor
Genres
Drama , History , Mystery , Horror
Original language
English
Budget
$2M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Gwen About?

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

Set in 19th-century Snowdonia, Wales, this film follows a young woman struggling to keep her family together. Her mother suffers from a mysterious illness, and her father is largely absent. Facing the threat of a mining company and a growing sense of dread, the family finds themselves increasingly isolated. As a mysterious force takes hold, Gwen and her loved ones become the target of suspicion and fear from the local community.

Gwen Themes & Keywords

· 27 tags
  • gothic
  • industrial revolution
  • welsh
  • mountain
  • horse killed
  • mother daughter relationship
  • quarry
  • folk horror
  • wales
  • farm
  • sheep
  • horse
+15 more
  • chapel
  • church service
  • doctor
  • cholera
  • seizure
  • little girl
  • daughter
  • mother
  • dead animal
  • 19th century
  • victorian era
  • absent father
  • girl with long hair
  • landscape
  • psychotronic film
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Cast & crew

Gwen Cast & Characters

Eleanor Worthington-Cox leads the cast as Gwen, with Jodie Innes as Mari and Maxine Peake as Elen. Directed by William McGregor; 9 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Gwen

· 5 more
Ratings

Gwen Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Gwen 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in art & craft (82) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).

70 /100

Gwen Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Gwen stands out for its atmospheric art direction and quiet but potent performances, crafting a moody portrait of hardship in rural Wales. Critics and audiences praise the visual and auditory design that sustains tension, alongside nuanced acting that conveys emotional depth. However, the deliberate pacing and narrative ambiguity introduce uneven momentum that may challenge engagement. The film leaves a lasting impression through its cohesive style, though its measured flow might not suit all tastes.

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

  • Art & Craft 82

    In terms of Art & Craft, the direction and cinematography are notable for their use of natural light and meticulously composed frames. The film’s production design and editing support the overall sense of desolation. Scenic interiors contrast with storm-tossed exteriors for a cohesive visual tone. This visual approach consistently reinforces the film’s bleak mood.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to Character & Emotion, performances anchor the film with measured restraint. The lead portrayal conveys a nuanced mix of stoicism and vulnerability, supported by solid secondary acting. Emotional resonance emerges through subtle gestures rather than overt drama, fostering genuine empathy. Overall, the character work provides a compelling emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of Story & Flow, the narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace that emphasizes atmosphere over plot clarity. The folk legend framework and industrial-era backdrop offer original and engaging context, but the midpoint sag and ambiguity can undermine momentum. Plot coherence occasionally suffers under lingering unanswered questions. Consequently, the story delivers a richly textured experience but may feel uneven to some viewers.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    When examining Sensory Experience, the soundtrack and sound design establish a pervasive tension that complements the visual style. Sonic cues are deployed with restraint to heighten suspense, while the visual palette maintains an understated cohesion. These elements work in concert to immerse the viewer effectively. Overall, sensory design amplifies the film’s haunting atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    In terms of Rewatch Factor, the film’s slow-burn approach and persistent bleakness limit its repeat appeal. While the strong atmosphere and nuanced performances may reward subsequent viewings, the deliberate pacing and ambiguous resolution could lessen enjoyment over time. As a result, the movie offers a memorable first experience but has modest replay value.

Plot

Gwen Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Gwen from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the 19th century, nestled in North Wales, a young farm girl named Gwen lives with her mother and younger sister, Mari. One day, while playing outside, the girls pass by a neighboring farmhouse, where they observe a group of men attending to what appears to be several dead bodies. The local doctor, Dr. Wren, attributes these deaths to cholera.

Full summary

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Gwen Box Office & Budget

Gwen grossed $47,140 worldwide on a $2 million budget.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$47.1K

International
$47.1K
Budget
$2M
Videos

Gwen Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Gwen.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Gwen?

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

In which century is this film set?

Details

Gwen Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “The Dark Outside” and “Гвен”.

Also known as
  • The Dark Outside
  • Гвен
  • גוון
  • 格温
  • Ґвен
  • 그웬
  • غوين

Seen Gwen?

FAQ

Gwen FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Gwen, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Gwen?

Gwen runs 1 hour 24 minutes (84 minutes).

When was Gwen released?

Gwen was released on August 16, 2019.

Who directed Gwen?

Gwen was directed by William McGregor.

Who is in the cast of Gwen?

Gwen stars Eleanor Worthington-Cox as Gwen, Jodie Innes as Mari and Maxine Peake as Elen, among 9 credited actors.

How much did Gwen make at the box office?

Gwen grossed $47,140 worldwide on a budget of $2 million.

How is Gwen rated?

Gwen has 5.7/10 on IMDb, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63 on Metacritic and 54% on TMDB.

Does Gwen have a post-credit scene?

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

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