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Hayseed

Hayseed

A Midwestern whodunnit mystery.

2023105 minMidcredits score: 60th percentile of all films
Director
Travis Burgess
Starring
Bill Sage, Ismenia Mendes, Jack Falahee, Nolan North

Following the discovery of a reverend’s body, a retired detective uncovers corruption and murder in a Rust Belt community.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Hayseed?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Hayseed streaming on Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Hayseed?

Hayseed earns 1 badge: Feel-good.

Reception

Is Hayseed worth watching?

Hayseed's Midcredits score is the 60th percentile of all films, from 663 ratings across 4 sources. 62% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

60th percentile

Better received than 60% of films

69th percentile among Comedy62nd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)51st
Approval (how many liked it)68th

62 /100

51st percentile of all films

59th percentile among Comedy52nd percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.2 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

62% liked it

68th percentile of all films

75th percentile among Comedy69th percentile among 2020s
62% rated it 7–1038% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

41st percentile

663 ratings across platforms

33rd percentile among Comedy40th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 23% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Hayseed is a low-budget, dialogue-driven small-town whodunit centered on a murdered priest.

Fans praised

  • strong ensemble acting gives dimension to quirky characters
  • twisty whodunit plot with clever red herrings and a satisfying resolution
  • authentic small-town atmosphere and naturalistic filmmaking create immersive world

Detractors panned

  • boring pacing and endless dialogue scenes make the film feel much longer than its runtime
  • underwritten characters who only spew exposition and lack personality
  • theatrical, unconvincing performances that break immersion

What stands out

ActingDivisive78

ensemble praised as deft and top-notch; detractor calls performances theatrical

Atmosphere75

authentic midwestern small-town world-building

Plot and storyDivisive74

twisty whodunit with red herrings, but detractor calls it first-draft

CharactersDivisive70

quirky, well-defined characters vs cardboard-cutout stereotypes

Humor64

organic dark humor woven into mystery

OriginalityDivisive63

unique take on classic whodunit but derivative to detractor

DialogueDivisive56

investigative banter and humor vs exposition-heavy

PacingDivisive52

clips along for fans; endless time warp for detractor

Watch experience

What is Hayseed like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something that leaves you smiling.

It has a few laughs and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseJoyful
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Playful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film balances a classic whodunit puzzle with a wry, knowing humour, played straight but with a smirk.
The rideThe investigation builds tension throughout, with light comedic moments balancing the mood, leading to a revealing or twisty climax.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional chronological order, following the investigation from discovery to resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you entertained and satisfied after solving the mystery.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

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).MysteryPuzzle
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: 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%
  • 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% (this title): Puzzle 1% (this title) · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Puzzle: A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe investigation of a reverend's murder in a small Michigan church congregation drives a classic puzzle-mystery, with clues and red herrings.

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 filmsSelfDeception
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · 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%

Morality

Deception · 9% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Justice · 13% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores hidden truths and lies within a small church community, with the investigation aiming to uncover who is responsible for the reverend's death.
StanceThe film examines deception and hidden truths within a small church community, questioning appearances without moralizing.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticRealistic
AmbientSupportive music · original score
Settinga small Michigan town church and its congregation

Content guide

Is Hayseed okay for kids?

As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at moderate (44/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (50/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (12 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Hayseed have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Hayseed?

Cast

Bill Sage
as Leo Hobbins
Ismenia Mendes
as Darlene Halsey
Jack Falahee
as Duck McIlrath
Nolan North
as Don Fulcher
Caitlin Carver
as Cassandra
Kathryn Morris
as Joyce Metts
Amy Hargreaves
as Jane Fulcher
Marta Piekarz
as Willa Metts
Eric Cotti
as Lester Sederland
Kyle Klaus
as Curtis Metts

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Hayseed?

The closest match to Hayseed is Knives Out (2019); both are puzzle films.

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

Explore by

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

1.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: neo-noir. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.