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The Hole in the Ground 2019

Living in a secluded house surrounded by dense woodland, a mother's world turns dark when her young son disappears. He eventually returns, but something is profoundly different about him, causing increasing alarm. As she struggles to understand the change and her own sanity, the mother must confront a terrifying possibility: is the boy she raised truly her own?

Living in a secluded house surrounded by dense woodland, a mother's world turns dark when her young son disappears. He eventually returns, but something is profoundly different about him, causing increasing alarm. As she struggles to understand the change and her own sanity, the mother must confront a terrifying possibility: is the boy she raised truly her own?

Does The Hole in the Ground have end credit scenes?

No!

The Hole in the Ground does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Hole in the Ground

Explore the complete cast of The Hole in the Ground, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Hole in the Ground

See how The Hole in the Ground is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Hole in the Ground stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

69

Overall, The Hole in the Ground delivers a solidly crafted supernatural thriller with strong performances and atmospheric direction tempered by familiar genre tropes. Critically, its measured pacing and coherent script have garnered praise for slowly building tension, while some have noted its reliance on established horror conventions and a slow narrative momentum. The film's audiovisual style sustains engagement, though its modest originality and uneven pacing prevent it from achieving higher distinction. In sum, it offers a moderately engaging experience that excels in mood but stops short of groundbreaking innovation.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Hole in the Ground

75
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of direction and cinematography, the film consistently evokes a rural Gothic atmosphere with deliberate framing and shadowed compositions. The measured use of slow camera movements and understated color motifs contributes to sustained dread, while production design effectively supports the narrative setting. Critics and viewers have remarked on confident, albeit familiar, visual choices that reinforce the story’s mood. Overall, its craft is competent and immersive without venturing into novel visual territory.

80
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character depth and acting, the film benefits from strong central performances that render the protagonist’s anxieties palpable. The lead actress brings nuanced tension to her portrayal, and supporting roles maintain consistent credibility. A few observers felt the flawless depiction of the mother and child reduced emotional resonance, yet most responses highlight the cast’s capacity to ground the unfolding horror. The result is a reliably engaging yet occasionally overly composed character dynamic.

65
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of plot coherence and flow, the narrative maintains clarity through its structured unveiling of unsettling events. The script’s balance of familiar horror motifs with deliberate tension keeps viewers invested, despite intermittent pacing lulls. Observers note that the storyline’s dependence on established tropes can undercut its originality, though engagement peaks during the film’s quieter, suspense-driven moments. Ultimately, the story delivers a compelling experience, tempered by occasional predictability.

75
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Regarding sensory experience, the score and sound design effectively heighten unease with a minimalist, haunting lullaby motif and incidental creaks that amplify tension. The visual style employs muted palettes and controlled lighting to underscore the film’s rural setting, while subtle audio cues support the creeping dread. Although the aesthetic aligns closely with genre conventions, the cohesive interplay of sound and image sustains an immersive, unsettling mood. Overall, it offers a well-executed sensory atmosphere.

50
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

As for rewatch value, responses indicate a moderate inclination to revisit the film for its atmospheric strengths and performance-driven tension. The deliberate pacing and emphasis on mood reward attentive viewing, but the reliance on familiar horror formulas and limited narrative surprises may diminish repeat engagement. Viewers who appreciate slow-burning suspense may find value in subsequent viewings, whereas others could consider the experience largely consumed in a single sitting.

Metacritic

63

Metascore

5.4

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

83%

TOMATOMETER

review

48%

User Score

IMDb

5.6 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

56

%

User Score

Letterboxd

2.7

From 4 fan ratings

Movie Insider

2.00/5

From 5 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Hole in the Ground Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Hole in the Ground with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Hole in the Ground Quiz: Test your knowledge about the psychological horror film 'The Hole in the Ground' and its themes of motherhood, identity, and fear.

Who is the main character in 'The Hole in the Ground'?

Awards & Nominations for The Hole in the Ground

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Hole in the Ground, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Hole in the Ground and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


16th Irish Film & Television Academy Awards 2020

Nomination

Best Director

Nomination

Best Actress in a Leading Role

45th Saturn Awards 2019

Nomination

Legion M Breakout Director

Lee Cronin

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Hole in the Ground

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Read the complete plot summary of The Hole in the Ground, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


This film tells the haunting tale of Sarah O’Neill, a determined single mother who yearns for a fresh start. She relocates with her young son Chris to a secluded dwelling on the brink of an expansive forest. However, upon settling into their new environment, Sarah stumbles upon a massive sinkhole nestled in the woods, an ominous sight that immediately evokes a sense of unease.

Despite her initial apprehensions, Sarah strives to adapt and create a semblance of normalcy for both herself and Chris. As time passes, she begins to notice unsettling changes in her son’s demeanor, leading her to suspect that the child living with her may not actually be her real son.

As her suspicions deepen, Sarah’s desperation mounts. She embarks on a quest for answers, consulting her neighbors and delving into the sinkhole’s unsettling mysteries. Each revelation brings her closer to a grim reality, hinting at a more sinister force at work, blurring the boundaries between truth and paranoia.

The film expertly builds tension, using the menacing presence of the sinkhole and the increasingly strange behavior of Chris to heighten the suspense. Sarah grapples with her sanity, navigating a labyrinth of fear and uncertainty that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The narrative immerses the audience in a gripping psychological horror experience, where ambiguity reigns.

As Sarah’s fragile world spirals out of control, she is compelled to face the chilling truths that lie beneath the surface. The film masterfully explores profound themes such as motherhood, identity, and the primal dread of the unknown, inviting viewers on a psychological odyssey that intricately weaves together reality and imagination.

In a breathtaking climax, Sarah confronts the frightening truths interconnected with the sinkhole and the disquieting occurrences. The film culminates in a thought-provoking finale that leaves audiences pondering the very essence of reality and the deep-seated fears dwelling within humanity.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Hole in the Ground

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Hole in the Ground. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Clip from Film

Reactions from the European Premiere of The Hole In The Ground

Cars Featured in The Hole in the Ground

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Explore all cars featured in The Hole in the Ground, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Audi

2008

A3 Sportback

Land-Rover

1995

Range Rover Series II

Vickers-Armstrongs

1973

FV 721 Fox

Volkswagen

1998

Golf IV Typ 1J

The Hole in the Ground Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


changelingdoppelgangerwoodsonly childquicksandschoolboycapgras syndromebody horrorcreaturefolk horrorpsychotronic filmsingle motherdirectvirelandmother child relationshipsinkholesingle parent112 callbanging one's head against a windowrenovating a housedead bodywitness statementwakeirish waketaking a bathwoman in a bathpeeking under a dooreating spiderlooking through a keyholemedical checkupdoctor's appointmentparanoiaschool performancehidden camerathrown across a roombasementcellarflickering lightsucked into the groundundergroundhuman remainsmother son relationshipparent child relationshipburning a housemirrorfemale pedal pumpingeuroperural settingmonstergoblin

The Hole in the Ground Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for The Hole in the Ground across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


ხვრელი მიწაში Impostor Das Loch im Boden Другой Глибинне зло Рупа у земљи 地面之洞 Η Τρύπα O Bosque Maldito The Only Child 홀 인 더 그라운드 A gyermek Дупката в земята El Bosque Maldito החור באדמה Bosque maldito 嬰魂不散 Hole - L'abisso Kuyu ホール・イン・ザ・グラウンド Hố Tử Thần Kiaurymė El bosc maleït

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