The Wretched (2019) is a compelling horror-thriller that masterfully blends supernatural terror with the real-world anxieties of adolescence. Directed by the Pierce Brothers, the film follows Ben, a defiant teenage boy sent to live with his father for the summer while his parents navigate a difficult divorce. His attempt to escape family drama takes a nightmarish turn when he becomes convinced that the friendly woman next door is actually a malevolent, thousand-year-old witch who consumes children.

What makes The Wretched particularly effective is how it grounds its supernatural horror in genuine emotional stakes. John-Paul Howard delivers a strong performance as Ben, whose skepticism about the witch is compounded by adults dismissing his concerns as trauma from his parents' separation. The film cleverly uses this dynamic to create tension, leaving viewers questioning what's real alongside the protagonist. The practical effects and creature design for the witch are genuinely unsettling, avoiding over-reliance on CGI.

The Pierce Brothers demonstrate skillful direction, building dread through atmospheric tension rather than constant jump scares. The coastal Michigan setting adds to the film's eerie, isolated vibe. While the 5.8 IMDb rating suggests it won't redefine the horror genre, The Wretched offers a satisfying, well-crafted supernatural story that horror fans should watch for its effective blend of family drama and folk horror elements. The 95-minute runtime ensures a tight, focused narrative without unnecessary padding.