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Mystery thriller

The Wretched (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

The Wretched (2019) movie poster

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.

worldwide gross
$4.4M
Echo Score
71
budget
$66K
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The Wretched (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 35m (95 min)
Genres
Mystery , Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
Budget
$66K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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
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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in The Wretched

· 19 more
Show all 23 cast members
From the directors

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.

Ratings

The Wretched Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in story & flow (68).

71 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

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.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$4.4M

66× its budget

US & Canada
$1.8M
International
$2.6M
Budget
$66K
US & Canada 42% Rest of the world 58%
Videos

The Wretched Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Wretched.

THE WRETCHED Trailer (2020)
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who does Ben Shaw come to stay with at the start of the film?

Seen The Wretched?

FAQ

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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