Watch The Cleansing

The Cleansing is a 2019 horror-thriller movie directed by Antonia Bird, which stars Luke Bailey, Rebecca Acock, and Sean Carlsen. The movie follows a couple of friends, Tom (Bailey) and Lucy (Acock), who decide to take a weekend break in the remote countryside of Wales to escape their everyday lives. They find a small village that seems deserted, but they decide to stay in a rented idyllic cottage.

Soon, they realize that the village has a dark history and that the cottage they rented is located in a place that was once used as an execution site for witches. Strange things start happening, and they gradually realize that they are not alone. The couple becomes trapped in the village, unable to escape from the evil that surrounds them.

The story of the movie is very eerie and atmospheric, with the lush Welsh landscape adding an extra layer of haunting beauty to the film. The pacing of the movie is slow, building tension gradually as the various characters are introduced and the story unfolds. There are some jump scares and moments of gore, but the movie doesn't rely heavily on them to create its scares.

Luke Bailey delivers a solid performance as Tom, portraying him as a man who is initially skeptical about the supernatural events happening around him but gradually becomes more and more affected by them. Rebecca Acock also delivers a solid performance as Lucy, who is initially more open-minded about the supernatural events but later becomes increasingly terrified by them.

One of the strongest aspects of the movie is the cinematography, which is very impressive. The landscapes are stunning, and the use of lighting and shadow creates a sense of foreboding throughout the film. The camera work is particularly effective in creating an unsettling atmosphere, with the use of tight close-ups and wide-angle shots.

The movie's themes of witchcraft and persecution are well-realized and add an extra layer of depth to the plot. The history of the village is gradually revealed throughout the movie, and it is clear that the story is rooted in a very real and disturbing part of British history. It's a tale that is both fascinating and eerie.

In terms of flaws, the movie's pacing may be too slow for some viewers. It takes time for the tension to build, and while this allows for an effective payoff, it may not suit those who prefer more action-packed horror movies. Additionally, the characters are not particularly well-developed, which may take away from the overall emotional impact of the story.

Overall, The Cleansing is a solid horror-thriller movie that is well worth a watch for fans of the genre. The movie's slow pacing and eerie atmosphere create a sense of dread that is maintained throughout, and the cinematography and use of landscape are particularly impressive. While it may have some flaws, it is a haunting movie that will leave viewers with a lot to think about.

The Cleansing is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.