The Empty Man

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1:29

The Empty Man

R

2020

2h 17m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

73%

Tomatometer

30 Reviews

61%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

A series of mysterious disappearances in a small Midwestern town may be linked to a supernatural entity.

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Adam Nayman

The Ringer

...its conspiratorial, extremely online subtext is perfectly suited to at-home viewing, even as its widescreen style demands theatrical scale.

May 3, 2021

Full Review

Chris Stuckmann

ChrisStuckmann.com

Remarkably ambitious and challenging. The Empty Man defies categorization. An exceptional directorial debut.

Mar 21, 2021

Full Review

Brian Tallerico

RogerEbert.com

A truly surreal and strange piece of work, anchored by some top-notch craft elements, but weakened a bit by a bloated running time and a conclusion that likely left the few people who saw it in theaters more annoyed than thrilled.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jan 12, 2021

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...an ambitious misfire that might’ve worked had it topped out at an hour and a half.

Rated: 2/4

Sep 19, 2025

Full Review

Brian Bisesi

Horror Movie Club Podcast

After an exciting 22 minute opening sequence, the film falls into a dull, investigative structure with brief but effective moments of horror peppered throughout. It nets out to an enjoyable ride.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 24, 2024

Full Review

Akos Peterbencze

Fanfare

The Empty Man is ambiguous by design. Prior’s approach to the material is slightly experimental, but he’s always confident to ask the most intriguing questions.

Jul 21, 2023

Full Review

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Brandon

Needed more kids running at people

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/25/20

Full Review

Richard

Slow start...never really gets going. Waste of 2 hours

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

11/21/20

Full Review

Matthew M

The first hour was your run of the mill horror-thriller. It kept me entertained, had some good disturbing imagery and interesting characters. The last hour and 15 minutes was a completely different film. It felt like a mix between The Adjustment Bureau and The Box. The storyline delved into the occult, brainwashing, alternate realities- not typically my genre of choice. I wish they'd kept the theme and style of the first hour through the entirety of the film.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/15/20

Full Review

Lisa H

It was good and a little weird. I liked it and still scared at some times.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/14/20

Full Review

JOHN

Intriguing masterful keeps you on the edge of your seat

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/13/20

Full Review

Mark W

It was empty, man. Not really sure what more can be said. The acting was good, but the story was forgettable. The first fifteen minutes will have you thinking you entered the wrong theater room. Unfortunately, the first fifteen minutes are the best in the film.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/11/20

Full Review

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David Prior

Director

James Badge Dale

James Lasombra

Owen Teague

Duncan West

Marin Ireland

Nora Quail

Stephen Root

Arthur Parsons

Joel Courtney

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The Empty Man: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

A series of mysterious disappearances in a small Midwestern town may be linked to a supernatural entity.

Director: David Prior
Producer: Stephen Christy, Ross Richie
Screenwriter: David Prior
Distributor: 20th Century Studios
Production Co: Out of Africa Entertainment, 20th Century Studios, Boom! Studios
Rating: R (Language|Disturbing Images|Some Sexuality and Nudity|Violence)
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 23, 2020, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 10, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.0M
Runtime: 2h 17m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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