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Drama thriller

Inheritance (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Inheritance (2020) movie poster

Inheritance is a 2020 drama thriller directed by Vaughn Stein, starring Patrick Warburton as Archer Monroe, Marque Richardson and Connie Nielsen. It runs 1 hour 51 minutes and earned $304,931 worldwide. Critics gave it 31 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10.

IMDb rating
5.6/10
worldwide gross
$304.9K
Echo Score
51
Metascore
31
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Inheritance (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 51m (111 min)
Director
Vaughn Stein
Genres
Drama , Mystery , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Inheritance About?

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

Following the death of her uncle, Scarlett unexpectedly inherits his house, believing her financial difficulties are finally resolved. However, her newfound wealth brings an unsettling threat as a mysterious figure appears, determined to claim the inheritance for himself. Scarlett finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of deception and must fight to protect what belongs to her.

Inheritance Themes & Keywords

· 28 tags
  • secret underground bunker
  • captive man
  • family secret
  • death of father
  • interracial romance
  • murder
  • hit and run accident
  • press conference
  • district attorney
  • funeral
  • reference to zillow
  • chess
+16 more
  • last will and testament
  • father daughter relationship
  • recipe
  • lawyer
  • rapist
  • plot twist
  • bribery
  • video message
  • childhood flashback
  • fingerprint
  • mouse
  • reference to the new york post
  • backhand slap
  • f word
  • profanity
  • title spoken by character
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Cast & crew

Inheritance Cast & Characters

Patrick Warburton leads the cast as Archer Monroe, with Marque Richardson as Scott Monroe and Connie Nielsen as Catherine Monroe. Directed by Vaughn Stein; 14 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Inheritance

· 10 more
From the director

More from Vaughn Stein

More films directed by Vaughn Stein, best-rated first: Cellar Door, Every Breath You Take, Terminal and Yussef is Complicated.

Full filmography
Ratings

Inheritance Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Inheritance 31 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 51/100, strongest in sensory experience (75) and weakest in story & flow (40).

51 /100

Inheritance Echo Score Breakdown

The overall reception of Inheritance is mixed, with visual strengths offset by narrative weaknesses. Critics frequently point to uneven pacing, shallow characterizations, and plot inconsistencies, while several viewers highlight the film’s visual beauty and select strong performances. The soundtrack and production design receive consistent praise, though the story’s coherence and emotional depth remain contentious. Ultimately, Inheritance offers engaging sensory elements but struggles to sustain them through its flawed narrative structure, resulting in a polarized viewing experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 50

    The film’s direction and cinematography display moments of precision in early sequences and sumptuous settings, but uneven pacing and directorial choices slow the narrative momentum. Critics note slow build and draggy scenes, while some acknowledge sharp set design. Overall, the art direction alternates between polished visuals and sluggish staging, yielding an uneven visual craft.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    Character depth and performances are uneven. Some viewers commend Simon Pegg and Lily Collins’ compelling portrayals and dynamic confrontations, but critics decry paper-thin characters and inconsistent motivations. While select performances resonate, many roles lack emotional substance. The result is a mixed impression of acting and character development.

  • Story & Flow 40

    The film’s story suffers from coherence issues and pacing lapses despite an engaging premise. Critics highlight plot holes, lazy payoffs, and squishy motivations, while a few viewers appreciate the initial intrigue. The overlong mystery structure and abrupt genre shift undercut engagement. As a result, the narrative feels conceptually promising but flawed in execution.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In terms of sensory experience, Inheritance excels in its score, sound design, and visual style. Users praise the beautiful music and cohesive visuals, and critics note the film’s intensity and real-feel atmosphere. Early sequences show precision, and sumptuous settings enhance immersion. Overall, the film’s auditory and visual cohesion stands out, consistently bolstering the thriller’s tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    The film’s rewatch appeal is moderate. One critic recommends revisiting for hidden clues and details that enhance the viewing, yet most commenters do not cite lasting curiosity. While the intricate premise hints at deeper layers, uneven storytelling may discourage repeated viewings. Overall, the rewatch factor is present but limited.

Plot

Inheritance Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Inheritance 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

Archer Monroe, the influential patriarch of a prominent political dynasty in New York City, meets his end, leaving behind a vast fortune and a complex family dynamic. His estate is subsequently divided among his grieving relatives: his devoted wife, Catherine Monroe; his ambitious son, William Monroe, who is entrenched in a heated re-election campaign; and his daughter, Lauren Monroe, a determined 30-year-old Manhattan District Attorney. As the family navigates their loss, the family attorney, Harold Thewlis, presents Lauren with a startling posthumous video message from her father. In this unsettling recording, he implores her to keep a grave secret, leading her to a concealed underground bunker situated on the family’s estate.

Full summary

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Inheritance Box Office

Inheritance grossed $304,931 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$304.9K

International
$304.9K
Videos

Inheritance Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Inheritance.

Inheritance | Official Trailer (HD) | Vertical Entertainment
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Inheritance?

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 is the patriarch of the Monroe family?

Cars

Cars in Inheritance

9 cars on screen, including the 2019 Cadillac XT4 and the 2014 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport.

All 9 cars
  • 2019 Cadillac XT4 in Inheritance 2019 Cadillac XT4 Important role
  • 2014 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport in Inheritance 2014 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport Important role
  • BMW 6 E24 in Inheritance BMW 6 E24 Minor role
  • 2006 BMW 750Li E66 in Inheritance 2006 BMW 750Li E66 Minor role
Details

Inheritance Also Known As

29 alternative titles, including “Тёмное наследие” and “Succession”.

Also known as
  • Тёмное наследие
  • Succession
  • Спадщина
  • La herencia
  • Bloodline
  • 인헤리턴스
  • インヘリタンス
  • インヘリタンス:2020
  • 鎖命佈局
  • Herança
  • Наследство
  • Κληρονομιά, მემკვიდრეობა
+17 more
  • O Legado
  • 继承
  • Inheritance - Eredità
  • Örökség
  • Gia Tài Tội Lỗi
  • היורשת
  • Tamsus palikimas
  • Темний спадок
  • 遺密繼承人
  • Dziedzictwo
  • Dědictví
  • Inheritance - Ein dunkles Vermächtnis
  • Moştenirea
  • Miras
  • Nasljeđe
  • Dedičstvo
  • Наслеђе

Seen Inheritance?

FAQ

Inheritance FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Inheritance?

Inheritance runs 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).

When was Inheritance released?

Inheritance was released on May 22, 2020.

Who directed Inheritance?

Inheritance was directed by Vaughn Stein.

More films by Vaughn Stein

Who is in the cast of Inheritance?

Inheritance stars Patrick Warburton as Archer Monroe, Marque Richardson as Scott Monroe and Connie Nielsen as Catherine Monroe, among 14 credited actors.

How much did Inheritance make at the box office?

Inheritance grossed $304,931 worldwide.

How is Inheritance rated?

Inheritance has 5.6/10 on IMDb, 31 on Metacritic, 63% on TMDB and 2.6/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Inheritance have a post-credit scene?

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

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