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Case 39

2009·Movie
1h 49min·R
IMDb6.2Metacritic256.3Rotten Tomatoes22%40%

Where to watch

fuboTVParamount+Tubi TV

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

What's your score?

Your score

Case 39 fingerprint

High energy, emotionally cool.

Energy

Nerve-racking and scary

  • Tension9
  • Scare8
  • Violence7

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Melancholy6
  • Family Dynamics5
  • Pathos4

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor3
  • Wit & Wordplay2
  • Situational Comedy0

World

The mind, everyday modern life, and mystery

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Novelty5

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Intrigue8
  • Direction7
  • Acting7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting moodYou scare easily

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Some cases should never be opened.

In her many years as a social worker, Emily Jenkins believes she has seen it all, until she meets 10-year-old Lilith and the girl's cruel parents. Emily's worst fears are confirmed when the parents try to harm the child, and so Emily assumes custody of Lilith while she looks for a foster family. However, Emily soon finds that dark forces surround the seemingly innocent girl, and the more she tries to protect Lilith, the more horrors she encounters.
Psychological ThrillerSupernatural HorrorChild AntagonistSuspensefulDisturbingBleak ToneFoster SystemUnsettlingDark Mystery

Crew

Directed by:
Christian Alvart, Scott J. Ateah, Patrice Leung
Written by:
Ray Wright
Produced by:
Sarah Halley Finn, Steve Golin, Lisa Bruce
Composed by:
Gary Summers, Robert Troy, Bob Baron

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Case 39

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Case 39 legally?

fuboTVParamount+Tubi TV

Case 39 is included with a subscription to fuboTV and Paramount+ in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Case 39 worth watching?

40
WeakGoodWatch score

Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 40/100 (IMDb 6.2, Rotten Tomatoes 22%, and Metacritic 25). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Case 39 rated?

RViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.

How long is Case 39?

1 h 49 min

Case 39 runs 1 h 49 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Case 39?

Critics24
Audiences55

Not quite. Audiences rate Case 39 higher (55) than critics (24). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

Was Case 39 a box office hit?

Budget$27 million
Box office$29 million

Roughly broke even. It cost about $27 million to make and earned $29 million worldwide, 1.1 times its budget.

What language is Case 39 in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in Canada, United States.

In how many countries can I watch Case 39?

109AEALAOARATAUAZBABEBFBGBHBOBR+95

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Case 39 in 109 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Case 39 use?

Broken RecordMood WhiplashOur Souls Are DifferentKill It with FireOh, Crap!Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?Humanoid AbominationBitch in Sheep's ClothingThe SociopathThe SoullessEvil Sounds DeepFaux Affably Eviland 15 more

TV Tropes lists 27 storytelling tropes for Case 39, including Broken Record, Mood Whiplash, Our Souls Are Different.