The Clearing
Seen it?2004 | 95 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With a box office flop and middling reviews (43% on Rotten Tomatoes), it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Prisoners or Gone Girl, start here.
- The mood
- Tense and unsettling.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
When affluent executive Wayne Hayes is kidnapped by a disgruntled employee and held for ransom in a forest, Wayne’s wife is forced to reckon with the FBI agents as they negotiate with the kidnapper.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
43% on Rotten Tomatoes, 60 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
5.7 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$13 million worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 32K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Along Came a Spider Weeknight WatchAnother FBI mystery, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Prisoners
Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved detective drama.
The Firm
Sunday Safe BetAnother FBI drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Night Hunter Weeknight WatchAnother detective drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Gone Girl Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed mystery.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Pieter Jan Brugge
- Robert RedfordWayne Hayes
- Helen MirrenEileen Hayes
- Willem DafoeArnold Mack
- Alessandro NivolaTim Hayes
- Matt CravenRay Fuller
- Melissa SagemillerJill Hayes
- Wendy CrewsonLouise Miller
- Larry PineTom Finch
- Diana ScarwidEva Finch
- Elizabeth RuscioCindy Mack