The Wretched (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Megan is the initial victim of the haunting at the Gambel residence, where her babysitting job plunges her into darkness. She embodies innocence abruptly shattered by horrific events, her fate setting a chilling tone for the story. Her encounter with the malevolent force introduces the central conflict of the film.

• 👩‍👧 Babysitter
• 😨 Victim
• 🏚️ Haunted

Ben serves as the central character navigating the turmoil of his family life while facing supernatural horrors. His determination to protect his family reflects resilience, but he is also deeply affected by his unresolved grief and fears. As he uncovers dark secrets, he transitions from a passive victim to an active participant in combating the malevolent forces.

• 👦 Son
• 💔 Troubled
• 🦸‍♂️ Hero

Mallory represents a beacon of normalcy and connection for Ben as they navigate their challenging circumstances together. She forms a pivotal role in the narrative, becoming a love interest and ally in their struggle against darkness. However, her fate takes a sinister turn, heightening the stakes of their battle.

• 💖 Love Interest
• ⚓ Friend
• 🌸 Innocent

Liam is Ben's father, wrestling with emotional turmoil from his impending divorce. His struggles provide depth to the familial themes of the story, as he navigates his relationship with both Ben and Sara. His involvement in the horror unfolding alongside Ben adds a layer of complexity to his character.

• 👨‍👦 Father
• 🥴 Struggling
• 😟 Worried

Abbie is a concerned mother whose life begins to crumble as dark forces unravel around her. She grapples with both the supernatural and her family's emotional struggles, making her character relatable and tragic. Her transformation under the sorceress adds tension to the narrative, demonstrating the pervasive nature of the malevolence.

• 👩‍👦 Mother
• 😧 Distressed
• 🎭 Vulnerable

Dillon, Abbie's son, experiences chilling moments as he becomes entwined in the supernatural events. His innocence contrasts with the horrors he faces, and his bond with Ben signifies the hope of friendship amidst darkness. Dillon’s journey illustrates the impact of the supernatural on youthful lives.

• 👦 Son
• 🌟 Innocent
• 💔 Troubled

Gage embodies arrogance and represents antagonistic forces against Ben. His character adds tension and conflict in the personal realm, complicating Ben's efforts to navigate his emotions. Gage's behavior serves as a foil to Ben's struggles with maturity and responsibility.

• 😏 Rival
• 🔥 Arrogant
• 💢 Antagonist

Ty is caught in the tumultuous events surrounding Abbie and Ben, representing the vulnerabilities of adult characters. His interactions highlight the theme of loss and the horror that impacts familial bonds. Ty's involvement within the supernatural elements reflects how darkness seeps into every aspect of their lives.

• 👨‍👦 Father figure
• 😨 Panic
• 💔 Suffering

Nathan is a crucial element of Ben's background, representing lost familial connections. His emergence reveals themes of discovery and reconciliation, intertwining family history with the horror that unfolds. The search for Nathan emphasizes the stakes in the narrative, as Ben's past collides with the supernatural.

• 👦 Lost Brother
• ✨ Discovery
• 🤔 Resilience

The film prominently features the theme of horror, with psychological terrors manifesting in the form of a malevolent sorceress. The characters confront both external threats and their internal fears, creating a chilling atmosphere. As each character deals with their own nightmares, the line between reality and the supernatural becomes increasingly blurred.

Family dynamics are central to the story, with Ben grappling with his parents' divorce and the strain it causes. The film explores the bonds of family as Ben strives to protect his siblings, especially amidst the chaos of the supernatural. These personal struggles underscore how family relationships are tested in the face of dark, malevolent forces.

Supernatural elements play a crucial role in driving the plot, centering on the dark powers of a sorceress. The film balances real-world issues with the unnerving presence of the supernatural, creating a thrilling narrative. The characters' battles against the sorcery reflect deep-seated fears and challenges that compel them to confront their destinies.