The Changeover (2019): Cast & Ratings
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 35m (95 min)
- Directors
- Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie
- Genre
- Thriller
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Vertical Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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
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.
- Co-director Miranda Harcourt
- Co-director Stuart McKenzie
- Benji Purchase as Jacko Chant
- Erana James as Laura Chant
-
Timothy Spall as Carmody Braque, David -
Melanie Lynskey as Kate Chant
Also Starring in The Changeover
· 6 more- Thomasin McKenzie Rose Keaton
- Lucy Lawless Miryam Carlisle
- Nicholas Galitzine Sorensen Carlisle
- Kate Harcourt Winter Carlisle
- Claire Van Beek Police Woman
- Ella Edward Nicky Green
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).
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.
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IMDb 5.4 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 71% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 68%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 69 Metascore
User score 7.4
See on Metacritic -
Movie Insider 4.3 /5
See on Movie Insider
Seen The Changeover?
Movies Like The Changeover
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Changed, Out of the Shadows and Jack Be Nimble.
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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