Is Derelict Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Derelict is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 122 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Derelict Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2024, Derelict emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Abigail is a socially isolated, angry young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the brutal murder of her father some years prior. Unlike standard genre fare, Derelict attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Jonathan Zaurin, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Thriller elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Derelict features a noteworthy lineup led by Dean Kilbey. Supported by the likes of Darren James King and Suzanne Fulton, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Dean Kilbey, Darren James King, Suzanne Fulton manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2024 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Thriller, Horror space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Derelict is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Derelict follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 122 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Derelict resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Thriller landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.3/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Derelict is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Abigail is a socially isolated, angry young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the brutal murder of her father some years prior. When she learns that one of her father's murderers is about to be released, Abi sets herself on a path of revenge. Matt is a young man whose life gets turned upside down by the return of his brother Ewan. The destinies of these lost souls cross in ways that will tragically shape their lives.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Derelict (2024) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.3/10 and strong performance metrics in the Thriller, Horror categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Dean Kilbey, Darren James King, Suzanne Fulton or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Derelict is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2024. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Derelict Online?
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Derelict has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Thriller, Horror), viewers should expect frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Derelict stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2024 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Derelict movie hit or flop?
Derelict has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Derelict worth watching?
Derelict is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Derelict online?
Derelict may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
Abigail is a socially isolated, angry young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the brutal murder of her father some years prior. When she learns that one of her father's murderers is about to be released, Abi sets herself on a path of revenge. Matt is a young man whose life gets turned upside down by the return of his brother Ewan. The destinies of these lost souls cross in ways that will tragically shape their lives.