What Lies Below
What Lies Below Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Movie Overview: What Lies Below
| Movie | What Lies Below |
| Release Year | 2020 |
| Director | Braden R. Duemmler |
| Genre | Horror / Thriller / Science Fiction / Drama |
| Runtime | 88 minutes (1h 28m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is What Lies Below (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 What Lies Below are led by Ema Horvath . The supporting cast, including Mena Suvari and Trey Tucker , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While What Lies Below 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, What Lies Below 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: What Lies Below
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2020, What Lies Below is a Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction, Drama film directed by Braden R. Duemmler, written by Braden R. Duemmler. 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 Ema Horvath as Liberty Wells.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A socially awkward teenager is blindsided when her mother introduces her to her new fiancée. At first, his charm, intelligence, and beauty seem too good to be true, and after a series of strange occurrences, the teenage daughter realizes that this new member of their family is not exactly who he seems. Director Braden R. Duemmler uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone of What Lies Below, hinting at the terror to come. Braden R. Duemmler establishes the rules of this world before introducing Ema Horvath as Liberty Wells to its dangers.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing Ema Horvath to confront the source of horror directly. Braden R. Duemmler's resolution falls somewhat short of expectations.
Ending Explained: What Lies Below
What Lies Below Ending Explained: Directed by Braden R. Duemmler, What Lies Below attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Ema Horvath. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of What Lies Below reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch What Lies Below?
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 88 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch What Lies Below Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
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Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeWhat Lies Below Parents Guide & Age Rating
2020 AdvisoryWondering about What Lies Below age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of What Lies Below (2020) is 88 minutes (1h 28m). Directed by Braden R. Duemmler, the film runs for 88 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, What Lies Below is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2020 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Lies Below worth watching?
What Lies Below 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 What Lies Below parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for What Lies Below identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of What Lies Below (2020)?
The runtime of What Lies Below (2020) is 88 minutes (approximately 1h 28m).
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.
