Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mystery/thriller isn't very gripping; gun violence, blood.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Ruse
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE RUSE, in-home caregiver Dale (Madelyn Dundon) is called in to look after Olivia (Veronica Cartwright), a once famous composer-conductor who's been diagnosed with dementia and requires oxygen to breathe. Olivia's previous nurse, Tracy (Kayleigh Ruller), suddenly disappeared after a 96-hour shift. Dale needs the job desperately, as she's been on probation after a work-related incident. She meets Tom (Michael Steger), a helpful neighbor from up the road, and Tom's young daughter, Penny (Nicola Jeanette Silber), who tells Dale that Olivia's house is haunted. And Olivia herself says that her late husband Albert's ghost returns to the house every so often. Before long, Dale starts to notice things out of place. She finds Tracy's badge, which seems strange. And she meets the grocery delivery man, Jacob (T.C. Carter), who warns her of Tom's violent tendencies. Can Dale solve the mystery before something terrible happens?
Is It Any Good?
This low-key whodunit has a pretty good mystery at its center, but it also has a listless quality and a distinct lack of urgency that dampen any potential scares or suspense. Written and directed by Stevan Mena—who also fulfills many other duties here, such as composing the score and editing—The Ruse has a solid foundation: a murder plot with some decent twists and turns. But after a promising setup, it adopts a sluggish pace. Characters move around like they have all the time in the world and nothing pressing going on. Even a chase scene during the climax feels more like a slow jog than anything that might kick up the adrenaline. Drone shots in between scenes offer pretty views of lakes and trees and roads, but they also serve to slow the pace even more.
The movie's star draw, Cartwright—who's best known for her roles in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Alien, and The Witches of Eastwick (and who had a part in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds as a child)—brings a shrieking, egomaniacal Bette Davis-type quality to her scenes. And her wide, accusing eyes are good for a few fun startles. Truthfully, The Ruse isn't terrible, and it might be OK for a late-night viewing, but it sorely needs a bit more tension.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Ruse's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
Do you think Dale deserves a second chance? Do people in general deserve second chances? Why, or why not?
How are cigarettes and smoking depicted? A character explains that she started smoking because she was told that cigarettes are slimming. What other ways are used to encourage people to smoke?
How does the movie depict the profession of in-home caregivers? Are they heroic? Do they get the credit they deserve?
How does the movie demonstrate compassion?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 16, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : August 14, 2025
- Cast : Veronica Cartwright , Madelyn Dundon , Michael Steger
- Director : Stevan Mena
- Studios : Seismic Releasing , Mena Films
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violent content
- Last updated : May 24, 2025
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