The Wretched (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
The Wretched is a 2019 mystery thriller directed by Brett Pierce and Drew T. Pierce, starring Sydne Mikelle as Megan, Kenzie Jones and Tug Coker. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes and earned $4.4 million worldwide on a $66,000 budget. Its Echo Score is 71/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 35m (95 min)
- Directors
- Brett Pierce and Drew T. Pierce
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Little Runway Productions
- Budget
- $66K
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Wretched About?
The premise of The Wretched without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
A rebellious teenager dealing with his parents' divorce discovers a terrifying evil lurking next door. His neighbor becomes possessed by an ancient witch, unleashing a supernatural threat that preys on children in the community. As the disappearances escalate, he must confront the horrifying truth and fight to protect himself and others from the witch's deadly influence. What is forgotten may never be found, but some secrets refuse to stay buried.
The Wretched Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- teenage boy
- witch
- male rear nudity
- teenager
- teenage protagonist
- embarrassing male nudity
- embarrassing nudity
- male nudity
- star appears nude
- male star appears nude
- clothed female naked male scene
- clothed male naked male scene
+38 more Show fewer
- daisy dukes
- 17 year old
- police officer commits suicide
- 17 year old boy
- mother son relationship
- drunken teenage boy
- teenage boy vomits
- directed by brothers
- swimming pool
- undressing
- taking off shirt
- taking off pants
- taking off underwear
- skinny dipping
- undressing someone
- taking off someone's underwear
- awkward situation
- dare
- prank
- woman wrapped in a towel
- f word
- crotch grab
- crotch grabbing
- grabbing one's crotch
- public nudity
- sexually harassed male
- sexually harassed man
- using sex appeal as motivator
- sexual harassment
- man wears underwear
- man wears boxer shorts
- man wears shorts
- arm cast
- marina
- denim shorts
- lost in the woods
- roadkill
- obscene finger gesture
The Wretched Cast & Characters
Sydne Mikelle leads the cast as Megan, with Kenzie Jones as Ashley Gambel and Tug Coker as Mr. Gambel. Directed by Brett Pierce and Drew T. Pierce; 23 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Brett Pierce
- Co-director Drew T. Pierce
- Sydne Mikelle as Megan
- Kenzie Jones as Ashley Gambel
- Tug Coker as Mr. Gambel
- John-Paul Howard as Ben
Also Starring in The Wretched
· 19 more- Jamison Jones Liam
- Piper Curda Mallory
- Azie Tesfai Sara
- Blane Crockarell Dillon
- Zarah Mahler Abbie
- Owen Thomas Pierce Baby Sam
- Kevin Bigley Ty
- Ja'layah Washington Lily
- Ross Kidder Officer Guthrie
- Judah Abner Paul Nathan
- Richard Ellis Gage
- Pamela Gray Counselor Rutland
- Amy Waller Nora
- Ryan Alexander Holmes Adam
- Harry Burkey Old Fisherman
- Gabriella Quezada JJ
Show all 23 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Kasey Bell Officer Kopitar
- Trudie Underhill Elderly Woman
- Madelynn Stuenkel The Wretch
More from Brett Pierce and Drew T. Pierce
More films directed by Brett Pierce and Drew T. Pierce, best-rated first: The Wretched and DeadHeads.
The Wretched Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in story & flow (68).
The Wretched Echo Score Breakdown
The Wretched delivers a modestly engaging horror experience that balances youthful melodrama with occasional unsettling moments. Critics and viewers note effective practical effects and a few surprising twists, while pointing out predictable plot elements and uneven pacing. The film’s low‑budget constraints are evident, but the core premise holds enough intrigue for most audiences. Consequently, it lands as a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry in teen horror.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
Visually, the film employs a restrained color palette that suits its seaside setting, and the framing often mirrors classic rear‑window suspense. Production design conveys a sleepy town atmosphere, though occasional budgetary shortcuts appear in set details. Editing maintains a steady rhythm, supporting the narrative without notable flourishes.
- Character & Emotion 75
The central teen protagonist is given clear motivations and an earnest performance that anchors the story, while supporting characters remain largely functional. Emotional beats are conveyed through understated dialogue, allowing moments of empathy. However, several secondary roles lack depth, leading to occasional disengagement.
- Story & Flow 68
The plot follows a relatable coming‑of‑age thread intertwined with a supernatural threat, delivering a few inventive twists that surprise viewers. Pacing fluctuates, with a measured buildup that sometimes stalls, and some plot holes diminish cohesion. Nonetheless, the overall arc remains coherent enough to sustain audience interest.
- Sensory Experience 70
The soundscape blends ambient coastal noises with tense musical cues, enhancing the eerie mood. Practical effects provide tactile scares, while the score leans toward conventional horror motifs, avoiding overt innovation. Visual style remains serviceable, employing straightforward lighting that supports the narrative without distinct stylistic signatures.
- Rewatch Factor 72
The film’s modest twist reveals and occasional nostalgic references encourage a second viewing to catch missed details. While the core thrills are not profoundly original, the blend of teen drama and folklore offers enough variety for repeat enjoyment. Audience enthusiasm varies, but many find it worth revisiting for its charm.
The Wretched Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in The Wretched from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 1985, Megan Sydne Mikelle arrives at the Gambels’ home to babysit their daughter Ashley Kenzie Jones. Deep in the basement, she discovers a creature feasting on little Ashley. Terrified, Megan tries to flee, but Mr. Gambel Tug Coker deliberately shuts the door on her, and she is presumed dead as a strange sign appears on the door.
Full summary
The whole story of The Wretched, scene by scene, with the ending explained
The Wretched Box Office & Budget
The Wretched grossed $4.4 million worldwide on a $66,000 budget, 66 times what it cost. $1.8 million came from the US and Canada and $2.6 million (58%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$4.4M
66× its budget
- US & Canada
- $1.8M
- International
- $2.6M
- Budget
- $66K
The Wretched Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Wretched.
How Well Do You Know The Wretched?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who does Ben Shaw come to stay with at the start of the film?
Seen The Wretched?
Movies Like The Wretched
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Wretched, The Wisher and Fear No Evil.
The Wretched FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of The Wretched, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Wretched?
The Wretched runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).
When was The Wretched released?
The Wretched was released on July 19, 2019.
Who directed The Wretched?
The Wretched was directed by Brett Pierce and Drew T. Pierce.
More films by Brett Pierce Who is in the cast of The Wretched?
The Wretched stars Sydne Mikelle as Megan, Kenzie Jones as Ashley Gambel and Tug Coker as Mr. Gambel, among 23 credited actors.
How much did The Wretched make at the box office?
The Wretched grossed $4.4 million worldwide ($1.8 million domestic, $2.6 million international) on a budget of $66,000.
Does The Wretched have a post-credit scene?
No. The Wretched has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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