The Apology

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1:16

The Apology

2022

1h 31m

Holiday

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

55%

Tomatometer

22 Reviews

35%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Twenty years after the disappearance of her daughter, recovering alcoholic Darlene Hagen is preparing to host her family's Christmas celebration with her best friend Gretchen. Late Christmas Eve, Darlene's estranged ex-brother-in-law, Jack, arrives unannounced, bearing nostalgic gifts and a heavy secret. Soon, Darlene finds herself caught between reason and ruthless instinct. Trapped together by a dangerous storm, a battle of wits escalates to a violent game of revenge.

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Simon Abrams

RogerEbert.com

Dec 16, 2022

3/4

A grim and mostly satisfying locked-room thriller.

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Noel Murray

Los Angeles Times

Dec 16, 2022

The characters’ despair and passion remains gripping throughout, as they force each other into some overdue reckonings with the past.

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Jeannette Catsoulis

New York Times

Dec 15, 2022

When the resolution of a movie depends in part on a fortuitously constipated dog, the only apology required is from whoever convinced you to watch in the first place.

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Ian Bunting

Daily Record (UK)

Mar 5, 2025

Its simple-but-captivating story is best left unspoiled.

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Common Sense Media

Dec 2, 2023

3/5

This drama/thriller, ironically adorned from top to bottom with cheerful holiday decorations, is a tough watch. But it does an admirable job of tapping into deep-seated emotions.

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Paul Lê

Bloody Disgusting

Jul 20, 2023

4/5

Alison Locke drops one of the most agonizing Christmas stories in recent years, but also includes a glimmer of hope. The magic of the holidays still manages to come out, even in a thriller as bleak as The Apology.

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David B

Dec 19, 2022

Edge of your seat thriller!! Wonderful acting and intelligent script!

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David R

@JohnMacca Jul 19, 2026

I was pleasantly surprised by The Apology. I know it didn’t receive the greatest reviews from either critics or audiences, but I thought it was a very effective character study of two deeply damaged people trying to confront the past. This isn’t a traditional horror or thriller. It’s much more like a stage play, relying on dialogue, tension, and outstanding performances rather than constant action. I grew up watching movies that took their time to develop characters, and this reminded me of those kinds of films. The slow pace never bothered me because the acting kept me completely engaged. Anna Gunn and Linus Roache are both terrific, and the emotional weight they bring to their roles makes every conversation feel meaningful. The film is quiet, intense, and ultimately very sobering. If you’re expecting a fast-paced thriller, this may not be for you. But if you appreciate strong acting and character-driven storytelling, I think it’s well worth watching.

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Cristian s

@cristiansj Jan 14, 2026

Premisa simple pero muy bien llevada desde el minuto uno hasta el final. La película funciona principalmente por las actuaciones que son muy buenas en todo momento.

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Angelina B.

@angelinabud Dec 26, 2025

Wouldn't call this horror.

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M T

@David391 Jan 16, 2025

Atmosphere and setting was good. Story was mediocre how it played out. This is a movie to put on in the background while browsing or doing other stuff at the same time.

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Timothy P

@timop1919 Dec 23, 2024

Bad acting! Bad writing! Depressing story! Skip!

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Alison Locke

Director

Anna Gunn

Darlene Hagen

Linus Roache

Jack Kingsley

Janeane Garofalo

Gretchen Sullivan

Holland Bailey

Sally Hagen

Esmé McSherry

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The Apology: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Twenty years after the disappearance of her daughter, recovering alcoholic Darlene Hagen is preparing to host her family's Christmas celebration with her best friend Gretchen. Late Christmas Eve, Darlene's estranged ex-brother-in-law, Jack, arrives unannounced, bearing nostalgic gifts and a heavy secret. Soon, Darlene finds herself caught between reason and ruthless instinct. Trapped together by a dangerous storm, a battle of wits escalates to a violent game of revenge.

Director: Alison Locke
Producer: Stacy Jorgensen, Kim Sherman, Lisa Whalen
Screenwriter: Alison Locke
Distributor: RLJE Films
Production Co: Company X
Genre: Holiday, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 16, 2022, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 16, 2022
Runtime: 1h 31m

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