The Clovehitch Killer

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The Clovehitch Killer

Released Nov 16, 2018

1h 50m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

79%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

After Tyler finds a cache of disturbing images in his father's possession, he begins to suspect that the man he trusts most in the world may be responsible for a series of unsolved murders.

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Critics Consensus

The Clovehitch Killer patiently dials up the tension with a story that makes up for a lack of surprises with strong performances and a chilling wit.

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Rick Bentley

Tribune News Service

This is a movie that creates fear out of creepy moments and by playing on the natural desire of wanting to feel safe with family. There's no need for blood or excessive acts of violence when the scares are this unsettling.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 19, 2018

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Emily Yoshida

New York Magazine/Vulture

Skiles's film doesn't care so much if you think you know how it ends, even if you're right. It's all about twisting the knife in the process of confirming those fears.

Nov 16, 2018

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Brian Tallerico

RogerEbert.com

As good as Plummer and McDermott are here, [writer Christopher D. Ford] ultimately writes himself into a corner that requires actions in the final act that don't ring true.

Rated: 2/4

Nov 16, 2018

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Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

“The Clovehitch Killer” is ostensibly focused on an investigation, but the subtext is how our American Christian culture pathologizes normal teen development, especially sexuality, while providing cover and bolstering the authority of predators.

Jun 9, 2024

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Jason Adams

My New Plaid Pants

The horror lies not so much in the destination, but the journey, and I was shocked by how wrong The Clovehitch Killer was willing to make that journey seem and feel

Jul 6, 2021

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Barbara Shulgasser

Common Sense Media

This movie grabs you right away, giving us a 16-year-old narrator who has skills of observation, meticulousness, self reliance, and preparedness, as instilled in him by his Scout leader dad.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 2, 2021

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Christian C

A significantly solid look at a fictionalized version of Dennis Rader and what the reality of violent paraphilia does to the people around the offender. Much more about the familial setting than seeing a serial offender perform repeated acts of murder, it’s unlikely to please everyone looking for the Hannibal Lecter tropes. If you’re seeing anyone whine about (lmfao) “bigotry” against Christians in reference to this movie, you shouldn’t even waste your time explaining to them where BTK was when he sent the communications which resulted in his arrest… These types of pasteys are too slow and gullible to bother checking accuracy prior to whining.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/27/25

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FRANS G

A decent movie with good performances and an interesting story. The movie builds the tension really well and kept my interest/attention really well. The whole religious angle of the over-religious town also adds to the storyline. I will recommend this thriller.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/17/25

Full Review

Alesia L

The film lives up to the expectations of the serial killer movie genre. The emotional turmoil experienced by a teenager upon discovering their father's heinous crimes is intense. Every actor in the movie effectively conveyed their character's role, especially Dylan McDermott. I just think it isn't original and that is my only problem. It gives you that BTK type story again and that's why I gave it three stars.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/15/25

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Audience Member

To say the ending was awful would be an understatement, I almost had to turn it off.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/14/25

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Evan B

A hidden gem in the genre of serial killer thrillers. It doesn't reinvent much in the genre, but it superbly develops and confidently inhabits a subtle mood of terror, as a teenager's warm, suburban life collides intimately with evil. Solid performances, especially by Dylan McDermott.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/10/25

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Drew B

This movie was slow had some good scenes but overall was a slow movie with kind of a dull ending

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/31/24

Full Review

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Duncan Skiles

Director

Dylan McDermott

Don

Charlie Plummer

Tyler

Samantha Mathis

Cindy

Madisen Beaty

Kassi

Brenna Sherman

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The Clovehitch Killer: Trailer 1

2:07

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Synopsis

After Tyler finds a cache of disturbing images in his father's possession, he begins to suspect that the man he trusts most in the world may be responsible for a series of unsolved murders.

Director: Duncan Skiles
Producer: Andrew Kortschak, Walter Kortschak, Cody Ryder
Screenwriter: Christopher Ford
Distributor: IFC Midnight
Production Co: IFC Films
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 16, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 16, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $8.2K
Runtime: 1h 50m

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