The Special

  • 2020
  • NR
  • 94m
movieMx RATING
5.3
41
VERDICT
AVERAGE
Advertisement

The Special Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: The Special

MovieThe Special
Release Year2020
DirectorB. Harrison Smith
GenreHorror / Comedy
Runtime94 minutes (1h 34m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Special (2020) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. 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 Special are led by Dave Sheridan . The supporting cast, including Sarah French and Davy Raphaely , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of The Special (2020) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.3/10, it currently stands as a AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While The Special 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 Special 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 Special

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2020, The Special is a Horror, Comedy film directed by B. Harrison Smith, written by James Newman. 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 Dave Sheridan as Mike.

Ending Explained: The Special

The Special Ending Explained: Suspecting his wife of infidelity, Jerry is persuaded by his best friend to accompany him to a brothel to sample ‘The Special’, which proves to be a lifechanging experience in more ways than one. Directed by B. Harrison Smith, this 2020 horror film stars Dave Sheridan (Mike), alongside Sarah French as Lisa, Davy Raphaely as Jerry, Doug Henderson as Ivan. Rated 5.3/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.

What Happens at the End of The Special?

Suspecting his wife of infidelity, Jerry is persuaded by his best friend to accompany him to a brothel to sample ‘The Special’, which proves to be a lifechanging experience in more ways than one. Because every pleasure has its price...

B. Harrison Smith's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Dave Sheridan (Mike)'s journey. Because every pleasure has its price.

How Does Dave Sheridan (Mike)'s Story End?

  • Dave Sheridan: Dave Sheridan's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Sarah French (Lisa): Sarah French's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Davy Raphaely (Jerry): Davy Raphaely's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Special Mean?

The ending of The Special brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Dave Sheridan's story may not satisfy all audiences.

The Special Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is The Special Based on a True Story?

No, The Special is a work of fiction. While the horror, comedy film directed by B. Harrison Smith and starring Dave Sheridan may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.

Who Should Watch The Special?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Horror films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Advertisement

Where to Watch The Special Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

BloodstreamBloodstream

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

The Special Parents Guide & Age Rating

2020 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Special age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Special is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Special (2020) is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Directed by B. Harrison Smith, the film runs for 94 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Special is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2020 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Special. Rating: 5.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Special worth watching?

The Special is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Special parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Special identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of The Special (2020)?

The runtime of The Special (2020) 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.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.3
The Special
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-special-728144" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Special</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Dave Sheridan

View full filmography