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The Aviary

The Aviary

Believing is deceiving.

202296 minRMidcredits score: 27th percentile of all films
Directors
Chris Cullari, Jennifer Raite
Starring
Malin Akerman, Lorenza Izzo, Chris Messina, Sandrine Holt

A twisted journey of two women’s desperate flee to escape the clutches of Skylight, an insidious cult. Lured in by the promise of “freedom” in the isolated desert campus called The Aviary, Jillian and Blair join forces to escape in hopes of real freedom. Consumed by fear and paranoia, they can’t shake the feeling that they are being followed by the cult’s leader, Seth, a man as seductive as he is controlling. The more distance the pair gains from the cult, the more Seth holds control of their minds. With supplies dwindling and their senses failing, Jillian and Blair are faced with a horrifying question: how do you run from an enemy who lives inside your head?

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Aviary?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Aviary to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Aviary?

The Aviary earns 4 badges, led by Divisive and Split on the story.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Aviary worth watching?

The Aviary's Midcredits score is the 27th percentile of all films, from 2.5K ratings across 5 sources. 41% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

27th percentile

Better received than 27% of films

59th percentile among Thriller28th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)17th
Approval (how many liked it)39th

50 /100

17th percentile of all films

38th percentile among Thriller19th percentile among 2020s

Critics 57 · Audience 49

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

41% liked it

39th percentile of all films

75th percentile among Thriller41st percentile among 2020s
41% rated it 7–1059% rated it 1–6

Critics 65% · Audience 47%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

74th percentile

2.5K ratings across platforms

94th percentile among Thriller74th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 47% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a slow-burn psychological thriller about two women escaping a cult in the desert.

Fans praised

  • creeping psychological dread and atmosphere
  • strong lead performances by Akerman and Izzo
  • unreliable narration keeps you guessing

Detractors panned

  • plot goes nowhere with zero payoff
  • boring desert walking, no tension or scares
  • cheap production and poor script

What stands out

ActingDivisive60

Akerman and Izzo's performances praised by fans, deemed OK or wasted by detractors

AtmosphereDivisive55

Creepy, oppressive desert feel praised by fans, ignored by detractors

OriginalityDivisive50

Fans see unique mind-control narrative; detractors see derivative Lifetime fare

TensionDivisive30

Fans sense dread and paranoia; detractors say zero thrills

CharactersDivisive30

Fans see complex unreliable narrators, detractors see whiny or clueless characters

EndingDivisive30

Satisfying and thought-provoking to fans, anticlimactic to detractors

Plot and storyDivisive25

Fans find deep psychological plot, detractors call it nonexistent

PacingDivisive15

Slow burn defended by fans, panned by most detectors as boring

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 33 points higher than US viewers.

Watch experience

What is The Aviary like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseCold
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 8% of films
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 material straight, presenting the women's paranoia and fear with earnest intensity rather than ironic distance.
The rideThe film sustains a creeping dread and tension throughout, with the heaviest psychological pressure building toward the end.
StructureThe story follows the two women in a linear progression as they wander the desert, with the vast wilderness as the constant, near-single setting.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer with a lingering unease about the nature of the threat and the reliability of what was seen, prompting reflection on the power of psychological control.
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).Voyage
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% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% (this title) · 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%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Survival ordeal: Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).

4% of films fit this archetype

with Mystery underneath

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

Why this archetypeThe women flee through the desert, trying to escape a cult and return to safety, while the question of what is real and what is in their heads drives the story toward a mystery-like reveal.

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 filmsSelfTraumaSurvival
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%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · Mental illness 1% (this title) · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% (this title) · 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%

Survival

Trauma · 7% of filmsIsolation · 5% 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.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how past cult trauma and paranoia erode the women's grip on reality as they struggle to survive both the elements and their own minds.
StanceThe film examines trauma and paranoia without settling on a clear answer, focusing on the internal battle of the two protagonists.

The world

ContemporaryWildernessRealistic
AmbientSupportive music · original score · Zac Clark
SettingNew Mexican desert
MusicThe score likely underscores the film's creeping dread and psychological tension.

Content guide

Is The Aviary okay for kids?

R

The Aviary is rated R: “Rated R for language and some violent content” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at moderate (56/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (0/100) and frightening material at intense (67/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • UK15
  • France12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (16 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 The Aviary have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Aviary?

Cast

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

Malin Akerman
as Jillian
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.
Lorenza Izzo
as Blair
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Chris Messina
as Seth
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sandrine Holt
as Delilah

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Aviary?

Movies like The Aviary include Wrecked (2010), Magic Magic (2013) and Wander (2020). Of the 12 closest matches, several are survival stories, and several are films about isolation.

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

8 of these 12 share its feel: bleak. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Aviary?

3.9K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: survival thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.