The Cycle

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The Cycle

2026

1h 51m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

41 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

When the body of a man missing for thirty-six years is discovered at the scene of a horrific crime, it's up to his estranged daughter to unravel his dark past.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Oct 22, 2026

3/4

“The Cycle” loads up on gore and some grossout scenes (those maggots gave me the heebie-jeebies) and keeps us on edge throughout, and then throws everything his limited budget can for a bloody, satisfying finale.

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Leslie Felperin

Guardian

Oct 20, 2026

2/5

It’s a shame that the hardcore creature-feature stuff is a letdown because the drama leading up to it isn’t bad.

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Katie Rife

Inverse

Oct 5, 2026

Based on his resume, you might not expect Jordan Downey to make a movie as deathly serious as The Cycle. But he’s done exactly that, and quite successfully so, with this grim and gruesome blend of serial-killer thriller and supernatural horror.

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Joseph Robinson

Fish Jelly Films (YouTube)

5 days ago

3.5/5

Gruesome and intriguing, The Cycle blends taut suspense with highly effective creature horror. Impressive practical effects and meticulous craftsmanship breathe new life into a familiar trope.

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Chris Sawin

Video Librarian Magazine

6 days ago

4.5/5

What The Cycle is hiding is hidden so well, but it is brought to light with spectacular special effects and impressive gore that transforms the film into something truly nasty, unsettling, and memorable.

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Abbie Bernstein

Assignment X

Oct 28, 2026

B

The Cycle is just different enough to feel relatively fresh, and it delivers on both the procedural and horror fronts.

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Jimmy P

@jp3169 5 hrs ago

First half, great. Second half, bad .

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R T

@RT29751295 7 hrs ago

Truly refreshing and bloody brilliant! I didn’t read any review. I knew nothing about this film and watched thinking for the first ten minutes it was a serial killer murderer film and with that thought great!!!! Great acting, great film leading in. Then the crap hit the wall and I was omg wtf type moments!! It turned and when I say turned it really changed. I was suddenly glued more than before, forgave the errr silliness and just thought,,, COOL!! It’s that time of year and by god what a new take!! Great film! Go for it! Don’t review check and don’t research! Imagine it’s 1995 at blockbuster and you chose it quick, watch and enjoy! Well done guys!! X

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Austin C

@Austincole219 22 hrs ago

Absolute definition of a perfect slow burn horror movie that keeps you hooked throughout the whole movie and shocked after every turn. The werewolf is a disgusting(in a good way) fresh take. Awesome movie.

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Rosemary S

@RT84838862 1 day ago

This was a genre mash that doesn't quite pull off either of the two.

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Winston R

@RT67665440 2 days ago

We need more horror movies like the cycle. People have gotten too used to CGI and can no longer appreciate practical effects. This is an excellent creature feature!

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Simile T

@Joella5 2 days ago

Felt like it all went downhill after the reveal. There are several plot holes that were never addressed as well.

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Jordan Downey

Director

Deborah Ann Woll

Actor

Jeffrey Donovan

Actor

Will Hochman

Actor

Jack Doolan

Actor

Carl W. Crudup

Actor

Deborah Ann Woll Previews The Cycle

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Synopsis

When the body of a man missing for thirty-six years is discovered at the scene of a horrific crime, it's up to his estranged daughter to unravel his dark past.

Director: Jordan Downey
Screenwriter: Jordan Downey, Kevin Stewart
Distributor: Shudder
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 23, 2026
Runtime: 1h 51m

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