The Cleansing 2019
Directed by Antony Smith, *The Cleansing* (2019) plunges viewers into the dark heart of 14th-century Wales, where superstition and terror collide.
Director: Antony Smith
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Cleansing (2019) about?
Set in a plague-stricken Welsh village, *The Cleansing* follows Alice, a 16-year-old girl falsely accused of witchcraft for the town's suffering. After her mother's hidden illness is revealed, she faces the masked figure The Cleanser and a cruel preacher's twisted trials, all while the village descends into hysteria.
Who directed The Cleansing?
Antony Smith directed *The Cleansing*, helming this visceral historical horror with a focus on psychological terror and period authenticity.
Who stars in The Cleansing?
The film stars Rebecca Acock as Alice, alongside Rhys Meredith, Simon Nehan, Alison Lenihan, and Abbie Hirst in pivotal roles.
Is The Cleansing (2019) worth watching?
*The Cleansing* isn't for the faint of heart—its blend of historical horror and supernatural dread demands patience. For fans of slow-burn thrillers with strong thematic depth, it's a gripping, if grueling, experience.
How long is The Cleansing?
The runtime of *The Cleansing* is 94 minutes.
About The Cleansing (2019) — A 14th-Century Welsh Horror Unfolding Brutal Trials of Faith
Directed by Antony Smith, *The Cleansing* (2019) plunges viewers into the dark heart of 14th-century Wales, where superstition and terror collide. In an isolated village ravaged by the plague, a 16-year-old girl named Alice becomes the scapegoat for the town's misfortunes, accused of witchcraft and blamed for the deaths of its people—including her own father. The arrival of the masked figure known as The Cleanser forces Alice to endure unthinkable horrors after her mother's hidden illness is exposed, while the village's manipulative preacher, Tom, subjects her to brutal trials under the guise of redemption. This chilling period thriller masterfully blends psychological tension with visceral horror, exploring themes of fear, guilt, and the destructive power of blind belief.
With a grim, atmospheric tone reminiscent of historical horror classics, *The Cleansing* delivers a harrowing tale of survival amid societal collapse. Smith's direction tightens the noose around Alice's fate, while the ensemble cast—led by Rebecca Acock in a standout performance—brings raw emotion to a story where innocence is weaponized and mercy is a luxury. Fans of slow-burn thrillers and gothic horror will find much to dissect in its layered narrative.