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

66%

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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Ian H

Great film that shows how evil can hide in plain sight. Good performances all round

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/09/25

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Mary P

I found this movie to be really good. Honestly, it had good moment, and showed the duality of the 2 main characters. The ending was a twist that I truly enjoyed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/19/25

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Audience Member

Starts off well but despite some great acting especially from Plummer this is let down by the screenplay which although subtle and avoiding genre cliches becomes totally unstuck, managing to both turn drearily predictable in details, and to stretch suspension of disbelief to unfortunate breaking point in story arc. It's a darn shame, this could have been a really great film.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/10/25

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Melissa L

Great suspenseful twisty thriller with a great ending.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/10/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Had never heard of it- glad I downloaded it randomly. A super great movie, really good- original script. Interesting plot development. Dylan McDermott should get way more parts, always irritates me when hollywood doesn't throw more stuff at great actors. This is an easy addition to your collection.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/16/25

Full Review

Orlando C

Amazing film. Can't believe this flew under my radar for so many years. Lots of unexpected twists and faux climactic endings that had me really questioning many times where was it going. As far as the ending, I saw so many reviews raving about the movie until the real ending transpired, so I was wincing waiting for the big let down. NOT AT ALL! Spoiler Alert **** The ending was perfect. It has to be appreciated with context. This was a very tight knit and heavily religious community. If the dad were to be revealed as the Clovehitch killer, who was a pillar of the community, it would have traumatized the whole community for a generation. But importantly, it would have destroyed the son's mom and little sister. By staging his death as an accident/suicide, it spared everyone of this trauma. However, I will concede, this ending didn't bring any closure to the victims' families. But the son was looking out for his family and the community at large. It was a Faustian bargain, but I think it worked for the tone of the movie. Highly recommended.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/17/25

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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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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