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Scarfies

Scarfies

A captive in your basement. What would you do?

199994 minRMidcredits score: 59th percentile of all films
Director
Robert Sarkies
Starring
Taika Waititi, Neill Rea, Jon Brazier, Mark Neilson

This dark comedy is set in Dunedin, New Zealand. A university student finds an old "abandoned" house and proceeds to invite other students to share. It even has running electricity. But what is the catch?

Where to watch

Where can I watch Scarfies?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Scarfies on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Scarfies?

Scarfies earns 3 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Scarfies worth watching?

Scarfies' Midcredits score is the 59th percentile of all films, from 2.5K ratings across 4 sources. 54% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

59th percentile

Better received than 59% of films

75th percentile among Action62nd percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)59th
Approval (how many liked it)58th

64 /100

59th percentile of all films

75th percentile among Action63rd percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

54% liked it

58th percentile of all films

71st percentile among Action60th percentile among 1990s
54% rated it 7–1046% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 6 wins / 0 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

62nd percentile

2.5K ratings across platforms

47th percentile among Action56th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 244% in 30 days

Box office

BudgetNZ$1.6M

In New Zealand dollar, not converted to dollars.

Worldwide gross$122

1st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A darkly comic student film set in New Zealand that blends humor with more serious, thriller-like moments.

Fans praised

  • Character development that moves naturally from comedy to horror
  • Authentic Dunedin student-life setting and local flavor
  • Witty black humor paired with genuine tension

Detractors panned

  • Underdeveloped, stereotypical characters who just yell and cry
  • Far-fetched plot logic and a farcical, unsatisfying ending
  • Unconvincing thriller elements and weak suspense

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive80

Bleak Dunedin setting and rundown house vividly captured

HumorDivisive75

Dark comedy lands for fans, flat for detractors

ActingDivisive75

Ensemble cast praised as believable and consistent; detractors find them annoying

Originality70

Fresh Kiwi take, but plot borrows from 90s thrillers

CharactersDivisive65

Fans see credible development, detractors call stock types

TensionDivisive65

Climax gripping, but suspense not always sustained

Plot and storyDivisive60

Setup praised but logic holes and ending divide opinion

EndingDivisive45

Clever twist for some, farcical and cheating for others

Watch experience

What is Scarfies like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that leaves you smiling.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you entertained.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
Sardonic · 1% of films: Mocking with a bitter edge.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film starts as a light-hearted student comedy but shifts to a darker, violent tone as the situation escalates, holding its material with a mix of wry humor and unflinching brutality.
The rideThe mood shifts from lighthearted squatter comedy to a tense, increasingly violent thriller as the drug owner returns.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the discovery of the crop through the conflict with its owner to the resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a mix of entertainment from the black comedy and unease from its darker moments.
How it ends · evidence
Happy 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).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · 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%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeStudents discover a hidden marijuana crop, sell it, and then must confront the returning owner, turning their squat into a life-threatening situation.

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 filmsSelfCorruption
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% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · 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% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · 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%

Power

Corruption · 3% of filmsSurvival
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe students' discovery of the marijuana crop sets off a chain of greed and moral decay as they face the consequences.
StanceThe film presents the students' descent into crime with a wry observational eye, without overt moralizing.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
RockPopSupportive music · licensed compilation
SettingA cold, rundown student flat in Dunedin during the 1990s.
MusicFeatures a soundtrack of New Zealand music.

Content guide

Is Scarfies okay for kids?

R

Scarfies is rated R: “Rated R for language, violence, drug content and some sexuality” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (50/100), sexual content at intense (60/100), language at intense (75/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (75/100) and frightening material at moderate (50/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • New ZealandR16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Intense
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (4 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (21 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 Scarfies have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Scarfies?

Cast

Taika Waititi
as Alex
Neill Rea
as Scott
Jon Brazier
as Kevin
Mark Neilson
as Gordy
Andrew Munro
as The Yams
Willa O'Neill
as Emma
Ashleigh Seagar
as Nicola
Charlie Bleakley
as Graham
Mark Dudfield
as The Yams
Pat Soper
as The Yams

Crew

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

3.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: dark comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.