Is The Summoning Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Summoning is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 167 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Summoning Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2023, The Summoning emerges as a significant entry in the Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After her father's death, Leana Lovings' grief leads her down a dark, yet pleasurable path. Unlike standard genre fare, The Summoning 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 the director, 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 Summoning features a noteworthy lineup led by Leana Lovings. Supported by the likes of Mandy Waters and Macy Meadows, 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 Leana Lovings, Mandy Waters, Macy Meadows manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2023 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Horror space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Summoning 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 Summoning follows a sophisticated deliberate pace. Over its 167 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. While some may find the extended runtime testing, the investment pays off for audiences who appreciate a narrative that isn`t afraid to breathe and explore its more nuanced corners.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Summoning 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 7/10 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 Summoning is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. After her father's death, Leana Lovings' grief leads her down a dark, yet pleasurable path. She discovers a magical necklace and a mysterious notebook, and finds herself experiencing twisted sexual encounters with taboo partners. Is this the case of a young girl simply becoming a woman, or has she opened herself ... and her legs ... to dark forces determined to bring about her corruption?
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 Summoning (2023) is overwhelmingly generally positive. With an audience rating of 7/10 and strong performance metrics in the Horror categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Leana Lovings, Mandy Waters, Macy Meadows or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Summoning is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2023. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Summoning is rated NC-17. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, The Summoning stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2023 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Summoning movie hit or flop?
The Summoning is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Horror movies.
Is The Summoning worth watching?
Yes, The Summoning is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Horror cinema.
Where can I watch The Summoning online?
The Summoning 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.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
After her father's death, Leana Lovings' grief leads her down a dark, yet pleasurable path. She discovers a magical necklace and a mysterious notebook, and finds herself experiencing twisted sexual encounters with taboo partners. Is this the case of a young girl simply becoming a woman, or has she opened herself ... and her legs ... to dark forces determined to bring about her corruption?