Is The Cross Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Cross is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Cross Review
Last updated: January 17, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2023, The Cross emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When Delore and Vivienne, French Catholic immigrants, open a successful restaurant in a rural Iowa town in the 1920s, they become tormented by the KuKluxKlan. Unlike standard genre fare, The Cross 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 Shelby Hagerdon, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Cross features a noteworthy lineup led by Cedric Fevrier . Supported by the likes of Jessica Johnson and Rachel Williamson, 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, their sheer charisma keeps the audience invested. In the broader context of 2023 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Cross 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.
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. Furthermore, the sonic landscape adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The Cross follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 86 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining.
Critically, the editing choices 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.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Cross resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Cross (2023) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Cross Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Cross is a Drama, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Cross Ending Explained & Final Analysis
TL;DR: The Ending Explained: The conclusion of The Cross resolved the main conflict by providing a complex, open-ended resolution. It emphasizes themes of Drama and leaves room for significant fan interpretation.
The finale of The Cross shifts from exposition to a more complex resolution that ties together the various character arcs introduced earlier.
Key Takeaways from the Ending:
- Resolution: The main conflict reaches a turning point that defines the future status of the lead characters.
- Theme: The final scenes emphasize the underlying themes of Drama that the film explored throughout its runtime.
- Discussion: Many viewers have noted the unusual way the final shot was framed, which serves as a lasting image of the movie's legacy.
Ultimately, The Cross's ending serves as a definitive close to this chapter, though the logic provides enough ambiguity to keep fans debating its true meaning.
The Cross Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
One of the most frequently asked questions about The Cross is whether the narrative is rooted in actual historical events or if it’s a work of pure fiction. Given its classification as a Drama, History, the film manages to blur the lines between reality and cinematic dramatization.
The "Real Story" Behind The Cross
Our editorial analysis confirms that The Cross is heavily inspired by documented real-life events.
While the director has taken certain creative liberties (the "Reel" aspect) to ensure the film remains engaging for a global audience, the "Real" core of the story focuses on the fundamental human experiences that resonate across cultures.
Verdict on Accuracy: While not a 1:1 documentary representation, The Cross provides a compelling look into its subject matter. For those asking if it's "Based on a True Story," the answer is a nuanced mix of factual inspiration and high-quality cinematic storytelling.
Who Should Watch The Cross?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Cross Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Cross Budget
The estimated production budget for The Cross is $10.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Cross
- Cedric Fevrier – Delore
- Jessica Johnson – Vivien
- Rachel Williamson – Maddie
- Vi Westman – Claire Moreau
- Lindsey Melancon – Prissy Moreau
Top Highlights
Cedric FevrierDelore
Jessica JohnsonVivien
Rachel WilliamsonMaddie
Vi WestmanClaire Moreau
Lindsey MelanconPrissy Moreau
Fletcher DayWill Johnston
Jake ParksDelbert Benton
Dave JuehringFrank Johnston
Rob MerrittSal Alexandre
Daryl HrdlickaSheriff Tom Lynch
Where to Watch The Cross Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Cross is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, The Cross stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2023 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cross movie hit or flop?
The Cross is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is The Cross worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, The Cross may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Cross online?
The Cross 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.
How The Cross Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Cross
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.