The Desolation Prize Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: The Desolation Prize
| Movie | The Desolation Prize |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| Director | Shane Day |
| Genre | Horror |
| Runtime | 15 minutes (15m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Desolation Prize (2019) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 2.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Desolation Prize are led by M.J. Kehler . The supporting cast, including Alan Colodey and Byron Mayberry , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Desolation Prize does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Desolation Prize 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 Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Desolation Prize
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2019, The Desolation Prize is a Horror film directed by Shane Day, written by Shane Day. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving M.J. Kehler as Bobby (as Shannon Kehler).
Ending Explained: The Desolation Prize
The Desolation Prize Ending Explained: With only the ghost of the man he killed years before to keep him company, Jake lives an isolated life. Directed by Shane Day, this 2019 horror film stars M.J. Kehler (Bobby (as Shannon Kehler)), alongside Alan Colodey as Dudley, Byron Mayberry as Jake, Amanda Wong as Viv. Rated 2.8/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Desolation Prize?
With only the ghost of the man he killed years before to keep him company, Jake lives an isolated life. He rarely goes outside, and his groceries are delivered to him. Fearful that this unwanted spirit will continue to humiliate and terrorize him in public, he has structured his life around a lonely and bleak existence. Eventually, his dark situation is illuminated by the arrival of Bobbi, a fresh-faced prairie girl whose job it is to deliver him groceries.
Shane Day's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on M.J. Kehler (Bobby (as Shannon Kehler))'s journey. He rarely goes outside, and his groceries are delivered to him.
How Does M.J. Kehler (Bobby (as Shannon Kehler))'s Story End?
- M.J. Kehler: M.J. Kehler's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Alan Colodey (Dudley): Alan Colodey's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Byron Mayberry (Jake): Byron Mayberry's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Desolation Prize Mean?
The ending of The Desolation Prize brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of M.J. Kehler's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Desolation Prize Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Desolation Prize Based on a True Story?
No, The Desolation Prize is a work of fiction. While the horror film directed by Shane Day and starring M.J. Kehler may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Desolation Prize?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 15 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Desolation Prize Parents Guide & Age Rating
2019 AdvisoryWondering about The Desolation Prize age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Desolation Prize (2019) is 15 minutes (15m). Directed by Shane Day, the film runs for 15 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 2.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Desolation Prize is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 2019 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Desolation Prize worth watching?
The Desolation Prize is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 2.8/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Desolation Prize parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Desolation Prize identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Desolation Prize (2019)?
The runtime of The Desolation Prize (2019) is 15 minutes (approximately 0h 15m).
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.
