
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.
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.
Discover where to watch The Hole in the Ground online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, TMDb, Wikipedia or Rotten Tomatoes.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
63
Metascore
5.4
User Score
83%
TOMATOMETER
48%
User Score
5.6 /10
IMDb Rating
56
%
User Score
2.7
From 4 fan ratings
2.00/5
From 5 fan ratings
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.
Who is the main character in 'The Hole in the Ground'?
Sarah O'Neill
Chris O'Neill
The Neighbor
The Sinkhole
Show hint
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
Best Director
Best Actress in a Leading Role
45th Saturn Awards 2019
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.
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