Skip to content
MovieCove
The Harvest

The Harvest

First the Fall, then The Harvest.

2013104 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 45th percentile of all films
Director
John McNaughton
Starring
Samantha Morton, Michael Shannon, Natasha Calis, Charlie Tahan

After becoming orphaned, a lonely girl moves in with her grandparents and tries to befriend a sick, bed-ridden boy next door, despite his mother’s strong objections. Her persistence leads to a friendship, but during secret visits, she uncovers dark secrets in the boy's home.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Harvest?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Harvest streaming on AMC+, Paramount+ via Apple TV, Sundance Now via Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Harvest?

The Harvest earns 3 badges, led by Award Winner and Unsettling.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Harvest worth watching?

The Harvest's Midcredits score is the 45th percentile of all films, from 14K ratings across 6 sources. 42% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

45th percentile

Better received than 45% of films

43rd percentile among Drama45th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)49th
Approval (how many liked it)41st

61 /100

49th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Drama49th percentile among 2010s

Critics 68 · Audience 61

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

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

42% liked it

41st percentile of all films

37th percentile among Drama40th percentile among 2010s
42% rated it 7–1058% rated it 1–6

Critics 68% · Audience 41%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 4 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

77th percentile

14K ratings across platforms

79th percentile among Drama79th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 31% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A well-acted psychological thriller about overprotective parenthood gone too far, with a strong central performance by Samantha Morton.

Fans praised

  • Samantha Morton's chilling performance as a psychologically complex mother
  • Slow-burn tension that builds to an effective payoff
  • Strong performances from the child actors and Michael Shannon

Detractors panned

  • Predictable plot and lack of genuine scares
  • Slow pacing with long stretches of little happening
  • Frustrating character decisions, especially the girl not calling the police

What stands out

ActingDivisive82

Samantha Morton and Michael Shannon praised; Morton's layered menace

Atmosphere70

Creepy, isolated rural setting with palpable dread

CharactersDivisive65

Believable but frustrating teen protagonist; divisive parent portrayal

TensionDivisive55

Effective slow dread but often undercut by predictability

Plot and storyDivisive50

Intriguing twist but predictable for many; plot holes cited

EndingDivisive45

Divisive; fans find it satisfying, detractors call it contrived

Originality45

Derivative of organ-harvesting and Munchausen-by-proxy thrillers

PacingDivisive40

First half too slow for many; builds later but drags

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is The Harvest 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 to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense 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 and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseCold
Heaviest: late
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.
ToneThe film plays its material straight, presenting the mystery and the gradual revelation of dark secrets without irony.
The rideThe film builds a sustained atmosphere of dread and tension as the girl's investigation leads to a dark revelation, with the emotional pressure peaking in the final act.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning, middle, and end as Maryann uncovers the secret.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's dark revelation lingers, leaving the viewer unsettled and haunted by the implications.
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).MysteryEnigma
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% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2% (this title)
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Enigma: The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).

7% of films fit this archetype

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

Why this archetypeThe story is driven by a child's discovery of a hidden secret in a secluded house, making it a mystery centered on an enigma.

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% (this title) · 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% (this title)
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · 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%

Survival

Trauma · 7% of filmsFamily bondsDeception · 9% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the lasting trauma of loss and the deceptive, harmful bonds within a family that hides a disturbing secret.
StanceThe film warns about the dangers of parental control and medical abuse, focusing on the entwined perspectives of the curious girl and the captive boy.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · George S. Clinton
Settingan isolated countryside house and a nearby rural home, with a basement holding a dark secret
MusicThe score likely underscores the growing tension and the emotional weight of the discovery.

Content guide

Is The Harvest okay for kids?

Not Rated

The Harvest is not rated. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (50/100), sexual content at minimal (7/100), language at mild (22/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (50/100) and frightening material at intense (78/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany16
  • Netherlands16
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (15 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 Harvest have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Harvest?

Cast

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

Samantha Morton
as Katherine
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.
Michael Shannon
as Richard
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.
Natasha Calis
as Maryann
Charlie Tahan
as Andy
Peter Fonda
as Grandfather
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.
Leslie Lyles
as Grandmother
Meadow Williams
as Sandra
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Journey Smith
as Pitcher
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Nolan Lyons
as The Boy
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Amina Robinson
as Pitcher's Mom
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Harvest?

Movies like The Harvest include 6 Souls (2010), Side Effects (2013) and Fractured (2019). Of the 12 closest matches, half are stories about doctors, and most are puzzle films.

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

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

Explore by

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

3.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: child. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.