Skip to content
MovieCove
Cordelia

Cordelia

The fear will find you.

201991 minMidcredits score: 54th percentile of all films
Director
Adrian Shergold
Starring
Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Johnny Flynn, Catherine McCormack, Joel Fry

Cordelia ia a troubled, damaged soul who is only just recovering after some unnamed trauma; she is an actor rehearsing a play and comes to stay in a creepy London mansion flat occupied by her twin sister Caroline and Caroline’s boyfriend Matt. When they leave her alone there Cordelia strikes up a friendship with Frank the charming, but strange and unreliable young man they can hear practising his cello in the upstairs flat – a relationship which quickly becomes very disturbing.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Cordelia?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Cordelia to rent or buy on Apple TV, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Cordelia?

Cordelia earns 1 badge: Unsettling.

Reception

Is Cordelia worth watching?

Cordelia's Midcredits score is the 54th percentile of all films, from 6.1K ratings across 5 sources. 79% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

54th percentile

Better received than 54% of films

53rd percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)17th
Approval (how many liked it)89th

50 /100

17th percentile of all films

12th percentile among Drama19th percentile among 2010s

Critics 66 · Audience 48

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

Approval

How many liked it

79% liked it

89th percentile of all films

91st percentile among Drama90th percentile among 2010s
79% rated it 7–1021% rated it 1–6

Critics 73% · Audience 15%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Reach

How many have seen it

66th percentile

6.1K ratings across platforms

68th percentile among Drama69th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 13% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$2.1K

4th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A moody psychological thriller with strong acting and atmosphere, but a confusing, ambiguous plot that leaves many loose ends.

Fans praised

  • atmospheric and creepy tone
  • strong lead performance by Antonia Campbell-Hughes
  • haunting music and sound design

Detractors panned

  • incoherent plot with unanswered questions
  • unsatisfying, abrupt ending
  • thin script lacking logic

What stands out

Acting75

earnest and capable cast, especially lead

Atmosphere75

eerie, claustrophobic, unsettling

Sound and musicDivisive75

haunting oboe/cello score

Cinematography70

lush, stylish, good production design

CharactersDivisive50

fragmented, thin writing

DialogueDivisive40

clunky at times

Plot and storyDivisive20

incoherent, messy, leaves many unanswered questions

EndingDivisive15

ambiguous, unsatisfying, non-ending

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Cordelia like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want to be scared.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseMelancholic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Cold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Single location · 5% of films: Confined to essentially one place throughout.
ToneThe film plays its psychological horror straight, maintaining a brooding atmosphere while keeping an emotional distance that invites interpretation.
The rideThe film sustains an oppressive atmosphere from the start, with dread and tension pervading most scenes and no let-up until the ambiguous ending.
StructureThe story unfolds in a single London basement flat, with a conventional chronology that uses past trauma as a background.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's deliberate ambiguity and unresolved tension leave the viewer feeling disturbed and questioning what was real.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1% (this title)
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Inner demon: The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeCordelia's trauma and her unsettling connection with Frank drive a psychological struggle where the real threat is her own damaged psyche.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfMemorySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% (this title) · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% (this title) · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Memory · 3% of filmsMental illness · 1% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeCordelia is shaped by a traumatic past that she cannot escape, making memory both a burden and a lens for her present.
StanceThe film interrogates Cordelia's fractured identity and trauma without offering clear answers, leaving the viewer in the same unsettling uncertainty as the protagonist.

The world

ContemporaryDomesticUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
AmbientOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Natalie Holt
SettingA basement flat in a London mansion, shared with a twin sister and her boyfriend, with a mysterious cellist upstairs.
MusicThe score likely uses dissonant strings and ambient textures to heighten the oppressive atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Cordelia okay for kids?

As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (46/100), sexual content at moderate (60/100), language at moderate (36/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (31/100) and frightening material at moderate (58/100). Overall it is heavier than 43% of all films.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • UK15
  • Netherlands14
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 43% of all films
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavier than 40% of all films
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavier than 80% of all films
Profanity
Moderate
heavier than 31% of all films
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
heavier than 34% of all films
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavier than 55% of all films

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is sexual content.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Cordelia have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Cordelia?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Antonia Campbell-Hughes
as Cordelia
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Johnny Flynn
as Frank [Ryan]
Catherine McCormack
as Kate
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Joel Fry
as Matt
Anna Danshina
as Natasha
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Michael Gambon
as Moses
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ryan Kelly
as Michael
David Leon
as Steven
Alun Armstrong
as Roger
Charlotte Randle
as Regan

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Cordelia?

Movies like Cordelia include Spider (2002), Images (1972) and Repulsion (1965). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films about mental illness, and most are psychological thrillers.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its world: London. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Cordelia?

5.8K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: psychological thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.