Is The Inflicted Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Inflicted is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Inflicted Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, The Inflicted emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of David O'Hara is a troubled medical student who kidnaps, rapes and murders women. Unlike standard genre fare, The Inflicted 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 Matthan Harris, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Horror elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Inflicted features a noteworthy lineup led by Matthan Harris. Supported by the likes of Bill Moseley and Sid Haig, 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 Matthan Harris, Bill Moseley, Sid Haig manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2012 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Horror, Thriller space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Inflicted 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 The Inflicted follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 87 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, The Inflicted resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Horror 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 3.8/10 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, The Inflicted is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. David O'Hara is a troubled medical student who kidnaps, rapes and murders women. He impregnates one of his victims, Melissa Daniels, in an attempt to replace the family that he lost as a young boy. However, the police rescue Melissa from David's warehouse, and David goes on a murderous rampage to get his family back.
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 The Inflicted (2012) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3.8/10 and strong performance metrics in the Horror, Thriller categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Matthan Harris, Bill Moseley, Sid Haig or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Inflicted is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2012. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch The Inflicted Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
The Inflicted has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Horror, Thriller), viewers should expect frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Inflicted stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Inflicted movie hit or flop?
The Inflicted is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.8/10 and lower collections.
Is The Inflicted worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.8/10, The Inflicted may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Inflicted online?
The Inflicted 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
David O'Hara is a troubled medical student who kidnaps, rapes and murders women. He impregnates one of his victims, Melissa Daniels, in an attempt to replace the family that he lost as a young boy. However, the police rescue Melissa from David's warehouse, and David goes on a murderous rampage to get his family back.