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The Delivered

The Delivered

Her world transform'd

2019112 minMidcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films
Director
Thomas Clay
Starring
Maxine Peake, Charles Dance, Freddie Fox, Tanya Reynolds

On an isolated English farm in 1657, Fanny lives a quiet life with her oppressive husband John and their young son. One day their life is rocked with the arrival of young couple Thomas and Rebecca who claim to have been robbed and need a place to stay. But are these strangers really who they say they are?

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Delivered?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Delivered streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Delivered?

The Delivered earns 4 badges, led by Visual feast and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Delivered worth watching?

The Delivered's Midcredits score is the 53rd percentile of all films, from 4.4K ratings across 4 sources. 47% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

53rd percentile

Better received than 53% of films

51st percentile among Drama53rd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)56th
Approval (how many liked it)48th

63 /100

56th percentile of all films

56th percentile among Drama56th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.1 — solid but not unanimous.

47% liked it

48th percentile of all films

45th percentile among Drama47th percentile among 2010s
47% rated it 7–1053% rated it 1–6

Critics 90% · Audience 52%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 6 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

79th percentile

4.4K ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Drama80th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 22% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$41K

25th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps see it as an ambitious period piece that mixes genre elements (folk horror, drama, western) with a feminist lens and a focus on Puritan repression.

Fans praised

  • superb cinematography with painterly compositions and misty atmosphere
  • strong ensemble performances, particularly Maxine Peake and Charles Dance
  • unpredictable story with shifting moral sympathies and transgressive energy

Detractors panned

  • weak, nonsensical plot with forced character actions and unrealistic logic
  • amateurish action scenes and unconvincing low-budget production values

What stands out

Cinematography85

painterly compositions, beautiful misty visuals; some overuse of fog noted

AtmosphereDivisive80

immersive period mood and escalating dread; some find it unconvincing

OriginalityDivisive80

unique genre blend and transgressive approach; some call it derivative of Straw Dogs or Witchfinder General

ActingDivisive78

strong performances especially Peake and Dance; some detractors find acting hammy or actorly

CharactersDivisive65

complex shifting sympathies but some find character motivations forced or cartoonish

Sound and musicDivisive65

effective score for fans; detractors find score awkward, overlathered, or anachronistic

Plot and storyDivisive55

unpredictable and engaging for fans; weak, illogical, or rushed for detractors

PacingDivisive55

slow-burn builds to climax; detractors find it boring or poorly timed

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 20 points higher than US viewers.

Watch experience

What is The Delivered like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

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

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. 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 and patience.

What it feels like

Moods
TenseDreadContemplative
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its Puritan setting and Fanny's oppression with grave seriousness, avoiding melodrama and maintaining a sincere, brooding stance.
The rideThe film builds a constant tension from the strangers' arrival, with dread underscoring the threat of the sheriff. The emotional climax and epilogue land the heaviest blows late.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically, following Fanny's transformation from Puritan wife to liberated woman over the course of a few days.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayFanny's hard-won liberation leaves a bittersweet yet hopeful feeling, as she has paid a high price for her freedom.
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).Rebirth
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% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% (this title) · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Liberation: Breaking free of a confining life (Room).

13% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeFanny Lye's journey from oppressive Puritan marriage to self-discovery and liberation follows the rebirth pattern, specifically the liberation subtype of breaking free from a confining life.

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 filmsSelfFreedomPower
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% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • 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% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% (this title) · 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

Freedom · 5% of filmsOppression · 4% of filmsFaith · 3% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeFanny's journey is about breaking free from an oppressive Puritan marriage and discovering a new world of possibility, at great personal cost.
StanceThe film celebrates Fanny's liberation and discovery of possibility, even though it comes at a great personal cost.

The world

Early modernRuralDomesticStylized realism
Orchestral modernFolkSupportive music · original score · Thomas Clay
SettingAn isolated farm in Shropshire, England, in 1657 during the aftermath of the English Civil War.
MusicThomas Clay, also the director, composed a score that reviews describe as 'lovely' and 'well put together', utilising patterns that add to the film's atmosphere.

Content guide

Is The Delivered okay for kids?

As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (85/100), sexual content at intense (69/100), language at intense (77/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (44/100) and frightening material at moderate (53/100). Overall it is heavier than 83% of all films.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • UK18
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany18
  • France12
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 83% of all films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavier than 83% of all films
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavier than 90% of all films
Profanity
Intense
heavier than 83% of all films
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavier than 70% of all films
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavier than 49% of all films

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

The reason to think twice is violence, language, and 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 The Delivered have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Delivered?

Cast

Maxine Peake
as Fanny Lye
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Charles Dance
as John Lye
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.
Freddie Fox
as Thomas Ashbury
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tanya Reynolds
as Rebecca Henshaw
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Peter McDonald
as The High Sheriff for the Council of State
Perry Fitzpatrick
as The Sheriff's Deputy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Kenneth Collard
as The Constable
Zak Adams
as Arthur Lye

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Delivered?

Movies like The Delivered include Benedetta (2021), The Scarlet Empress (1934) and Marie Antoinette (2006). Of the 12 closest matches, all are films set in the early modern era and period dramas.

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

4 of these 12 share its world: religious community. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

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

5.2K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: marriage in crisis. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.