The Cleansing Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: The Cleansing
| Movie | The Cleansing |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| Director | Antony Smith |
| Genre | Drama / Horror / Thriller |
| Runtime | 94 minutes (1h 34m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Cleansing (2019) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Cleansing are led by Rebecca Acock . The supporting cast, including Rhys Meredith and Simon Nehan , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Cleansing does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Cleansing has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Cleansing
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2019, The Cleansing is a Drama, Horror, Thriller film directed by Antony Smith, written by David Shillitoe. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Rebecca Acock as Alice.
Ending Explained: The Cleansing
The Cleansing Ending Explained: Set in a small isolated village in 14th century Wales, Alice is a sixteen year old girl who is accused of being a witch and causing the plague that has ravaged the village, taking the lives of many, including Alice's own father. Directed by Antony Smith, this 2019 drama film stars Rebecca Acock (Alice), alongside Rhys Meredith as Tom, Simon Nehan as The Cleanser, Alison Lenihan as Victoria. Rated 4.7/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Cleansing?
Set in a small isolated village in 14th century Wales, Alice is a sixteen year old girl who is accused of being a witch and causing the plague that has ravaged the village, taking the lives of many, including Alice's own father. When it is revealed that Alice has been hiding her mother's infection, she is forced to watch The Cleanser, an ominous masked figure, brutally dispatch her mother. The town preacher and de-facto leader Tom has eyes for Alice, and subjects her to five torturous trials after she spurns his advances. Escaping the night before her execution, with the help of her mother's friend Mary, she flees into the forest and discovers the secluded hut of a mysterious healer, with his own troubled past and demons to face. He nurses her back to health, and teaches her how to exact revenge upon those that persecuted her.
Antony Smith's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Rebecca Acock (Alice)'s journey. When it is revealed that Alice has been hiding her mother's infection, she is forced to watch The Cleanser, an ominous masked figure, brutally dispatch her mother.
How Does Rebecca Acock (Alice)'s Story End?
- Rebecca Acock: Rebecca Acock's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Rhys Meredith (Tom): Rhys Meredith's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Simon Nehan (The Cleanser): Simon Nehan's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Cleansing Mean?
The ending of The Cleansing brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Rebecca Acock's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Cleansing Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Cleansing Based on a True Story?
No, The Cleansing is a work of fiction. While the drama, horror, thriller film directed by Antony Smith and starring Rebecca Acock may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Cleansing?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Where to Watch The Cleansing Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Apple TV Store
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YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Cleansing Parents Guide & Age Rating
2019 AdvisoryWondering about The Cleansing age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Cleansing (2019) is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Directed by Antony Smith, the film runs for 94 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Cleansing is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2019 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cleansing worth watching?
The Cleansing is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 4.7/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Cleansing parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Cleansing identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Cleansing (2019)?
The runtime of The Cleansing (2019) is 94 minutes (approximately 1h 34m).
movieMx Verified
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.
