The Leech (2022): Cast, Ratings & Where to Watch
The Leech is a 2022 comedy horror film directed by Eric Pennycoff, starring Graham Skipper as Father David, Jeremy Gardner and Taylor Zaudtke. It runs 1 hour 22 minutes. Its Echo Score is 67/100. Stream it on ARROW, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 22m (82 min)
- Director
- Eric Pennycoff
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Doomcroak Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Leech About?
The premise of The Leech without spoilers.
During Christmas, a devout priest opens his home to a struggling couple seeking shelter. What starts as a generous gesture soon turns into a profound challenge to his beliefs, as the couple’s presence threatens the sanctity of his house and forces him to confront the limits of his faith.
The Leech Themes & Keywords
· 9 tags- christmas
- christmas horror
- couple
- house
- devout christian
- male nudity
- male rear nudity
- priest
- devout
Where to Watch The Leech
Stream it on ARROW, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 1
The Leech Cast & Characters
Graham Skipper leads the cast as Father David, with Jeremy Gardner as Terry and Taylor Zaudtke as Lexi. Directed by Eric Pennycoff; 4 actors are credited in all.
- Director Eric Pennycoff
-
Graham Skipper as Father David -
Jeremy Gardner as Terry - Taylor Zaudtke as Lexi
- Rigo Garay as Rigo
The Leech Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in sensory experience (55).
The Leech Echo Score Breakdown
The Leech delivers a polarizing blend of comedy, horror, and theological commentary that divides critics and audiences alike. Direction and low‑budget production values are praised for their inventiveness, while uneven screenplay and occasional sensory overload temper enthusiasm. Performances, particularly by Graham Skipper, are frequently highlighted as a strength, though some characters remain difficult to empathize with. The film’s oddness and lingering visual moments grant it modest rewatch appeal, positioning it as a niche title with both notable merits and clear drawbacks.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of direction and visual craft, the film is noted for its inventive low‑budget approach and effective tension building, which many reviewers commend. Some critics highlight well‑executed cinematography and purposeful editing, while a few point out jerky camera movements that disrupt cohesion. The overall artistic execution is thus seen as solid with occasional missteps, resulting in a generally positive appraisal of the film’s art and craft.
- Character & Emotion 72
When assessing character work, reviewers largely praise the lead performances, especially Graham Skipper’s nuanced portrayal, and the chemistry among the cast. The film is described as a complex, mean‑spirited character study that offers depth in certain moments. Nevertheless, a subset of critics find the characters hard to empathize with or unappealing, which introduces some reservation. Overall, the character dimension leans toward strong, though not uniformly acclaimed.
- Story & Flow 60
Storywise, the movie presents unpredictable twists and a morality‑laden premise that many find engaging, with pacing that builds toward a dark climax. However, critics also label the screenplay as uneven, crude, and at times pretentious, noting a lack of coherence in certain sections. Originality is recognized, yet the uneven execution tempers enthusiasm. Consequently, the narrative receives a mixed but balanced evaluation.
- Sensory Experience 55
Sensory experience receives mixed feedback; the unsettling sound design and surreal visual sequences are praised for enhancing the horror atmosphere. Conversely, frequent complaints about jerky camera work and incessant noise suggest a disjointed auditory‑visual harmony. While some reviewers appreciate the dream‑like styling, the overall sensory cohesion is viewed as inconsistent, leading to a moderately low assessment in this category.
- Rewatch Factor 68
Regarding rewatch value, the film’s oddness and memorable imagery create a lingering impression for a segment of viewers, especially those drawn to unconventional horror. Positive remarks highlight its lasting impact and the desire to revisit its bizarre moments. At the same time, uneven pacing and sensory issues diminish broader appeal, resulting in a respectable but not universal inclination to watch again.
The Leech Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 teaser.
- Trailer Official Trailer
- Teaser Official Teaser
Seen The Leech?
Movies Like The Leech
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Leeches!, Unholy Night and The Christmas Season Massacre.
The Leech FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch and post-credit scenes of The Leech, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Leech?
The Leech runs 1 hour 22 minutes (82 minutes).
When was The Leech released?
The Leech was released on June 23, 2022.
Who directed The Leech?
The Leech was directed by Eric Pennycoff.
More films by Eric Pennycoff Who is in the cast of The Leech?
The Leech stars Graham Skipper as Father David, Jeremy Gardner as Terry and Taylor Zaudtke as Lexi, among 4 credited actors.
Where can I watch The Leech?
In the US, The Leech is streaming on ARROW and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
Does The Leech have a post-credit scene?
No. The Leech has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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