Hold the Dark
Performance & Direction: Hold the Dark Review
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Hold the Dark (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hold the Dark features a noteworthy lineup led by Jeffrey Wright . Supported by the likes of Alexander Skarsgård and James Badge Dale , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Hold the Dark
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, Hold the Dark is a Thriller, Mystery, Crime film directed by Jeremy Saulnier. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jeffrey Wright.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. In the grim Alaskan winter, a naturalist hunts for wolves blamed for killing a local boy, but he soon finds himself swept into a chilling mystery. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside Jeffrey Wright. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Ending Explained: Hold the Dark
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Hold the Dark attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Jeffrey Wright, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Hold the Dark reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Hold the Dark Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Hold the Dark incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, mystery, crime film directed by Jeremy Saulnier, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Jeffrey Wright's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Hold the Dark adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Hold the Dark?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Hold the Dark
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Hold the Dark Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixHold the Dark Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about Hold the Dark age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Hold the Dark is 125 minutes (2h 5m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.4/10, and global performance metrics, Hold the Dark is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hold the Dark worth watching?
Hold the Dark is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.4/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Hold the Dark parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Hold the Dark identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Hold the Dark?
The total duration of Hold the Dark is 125 minutes, which is approximately 2h 5m long.
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Critic Reviews for Hold the Dark
I have... **No** idea what I just watched... But that bit in the middle was like something straight out of a _Payday 2_ heist, so I'm cool. _Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
***Unpredictable bleak Alaskan adventure, mystery, thriller*** An author and wolf expert (Jeffrey Wright) arrives at a remote village in Alaska to help rid the town of a wolf problem that has resulted in a few dead children. Riley Keough plays the troubled mother and Alexander Skarsgård her taciturn husband coming home from Iraq. James Badge Dale appears as the local sheriff while Julian Black Antelope is on hand as a curious AmerIndian named Cheeon. "Hold the Dark" (2018) is a combination mystery/drama/adventure/thriller/horror. It’s original, unpredictable and dead serious with elements of movies like “The Grey” (2011), “Runaway Train” (1985), “Wendigo” (2001), “The Frozen Ground” (2013), “The North Star” (1996), “Joyride” (1977) and “The Edge” (1997), not to mention a “Apocalypse Now” (or Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness) and even a little from the “Friday the 13th” franchise, albeit without the goofiness. Imagine if the band Agalloch made a movie and that’s pretty much “Hold the Dark” (there’s even a snippet from an Agalloch-like band in the movie). It’s based on the book by William Giraldi and some viewers have complained that key revelations weren’t obvious enough in the film. Well, I never read the book and wasn’t able to figure out these revelations, but this didn’t prevent me from appreciating this artistic nigh masterpiece. Afterward, I looked-up the revelations and they put the pieces of the puzzle together; yet the clues are all there (in the movie) if you watch closely. My wife watched the film separately and WAS able to glean these revelations. But, again, not being able to figure out every detail did NOT prevent me from valuing this great movie. The film runs 2 hours, 5 minutes and was shot in Alberta, Canada (Lethbridge & Calgary), and Morocco. GRADE: A-/A
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
