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Thriller

The Changeover (2019): Cast & Ratings

The Changeover (2019) movie poster

The Changeover is a 2019 thriller directed by Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie, starring Benji Purchase as Jacko Chant, Erana James and Timothy Spall. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes. Critics gave it 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10.

IMDb rating
5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
71%
Echo Score
70
Metascore
69
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The Changeover (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 35m (95 min)
Genre
Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Changeover About?

The premise of The Changeover without spoilers.

A dark force threatens a Christchurch suburb, endangering young Jacko. His teenage sister, Laura, discovers she possesses a hidden supernatural legacy and must confront this ancient evil to save him. As Jacko's life force dwindles, Laura learns to control her newfound abilities and faces a perilous battle against encroaching darkness to rescue her brother.

The Changeover Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • f rated
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Cast & crew

The Changeover Cast & Characters

Benji Purchase leads the cast as Jacko Chant, with Erana James as Laura Chant and Timothy Spall as Carmody Braque, David. Directed by Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Changeover

· 6 more
Ratings

The Changeover Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Changeover 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (55).

70 /100

The Changeover Echo Score Breakdown

The Changeover delivers a mixed but occasionally compelling experience. While its technical and performance elements receive praise, narrative coherence and pacing issues detract from engagement. Direction and visual style provide atmospheric tension but the script’s uneven development hampers consistency. Emotional resonance and character portrayals are notable strengths, though the plotting leaves some elements underexplored. Overall, the film offers intriguing moments but struggles to maintain momentum throughout its run.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    Art & Craft is one of the film's more consistent strengths. Reviews frequently note artful camera work, setting focus, and thoughtful production design that establish a moody atmosphere. While not uniformly lauded, the cinematography and editing deliver measured framing and pace that support the thriller tone. Overall, the film's visual and technical craftsmanship provides an engaging backdrop, even when the narrative falters.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally praised for their depth and resonance. Critics highlight solid, if not spectacular, portrayals that bring central figures to life, with particular note of the lead's chemistry and nuanced delivery. Although some felt the emotional stakes could have been sharper, the ensemble maintains engagement through understated chemistry and credible arcs. In sum, the acting anchors much of the film's impact.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, the film presents uneven pacing and occasional lapses in narrative coherence. Several reviews comment on intriguing originality but note that the script struggles to connect its supernatural elements and maintain momentum. While the ending and certain surprises are effective, the midsection can feel disjointed, and some plot threads remain underdeveloped. Consequently, the story offers moments of engagement but lacks consistent cohesiveness.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Regarding sensory experience, the film benefits from an evocative soundtrack, careful sound design, and an understated visual style. Critics praise the interplay of ambient score and artful camera movements that heighten tension without overwhelming the scenes. The cohesive audiovisual approach sustains the film's moody atmosphere and complements the thematic elements. Overall, the sensory design stands out as a reliably engaging feature throughout the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    When considering rewatch value, impressions are mixed but lean positive. Some viewers appreciate the film's subtle surprises and emotional beats that reveal additional layers upon subsequent viewings. However, uneven pacing and narrative gaps may diminish the desire for repeated exposure for certain audiences. Despite these drawbacks, the film retains enough atmospheric and performative strengths to warrant another look, especially for those drawn to its unique tonal blend.

Seen The Changeover?

FAQ

The Changeover FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

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

How long is The Changeover?

The Changeover runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).

When was The Changeover released?

The Changeover was released on February 22, 2019.

Who directed The Changeover?

The Changeover was directed by Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie.

More films by Miranda Harcourt

Who is in the cast of The Changeover?

The Changeover stars Benji Purchase as Jacko Chant, Erana James as Laura Chant and Timothy Spall as Carmody Braque, David, among 10 credited actors.

How is The Changeover rated?

The Changeover has 5.4/10 on IMDb, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic and 4.3/5 on Movie Insider.

Does The Changeover have a post-credit scene?

No. The Changeover has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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