5 Worst English Movies In October 2023

In October 2023, the world of cinema witnessed the release of several films, some of which were highly anticipated, while others fell short of expectations. In this analysis, we will delve into five English movies that garnered particularly low IMDb ratings during that month. These films include “Mercy Road,” “The Exorcist: Believer,” “Freelance,” “Desperation Road,” and “Butcher’s Crossing.” We will explore the plots, production details, critical reception, and why these movies failed to impress audiences.

Mercy Road (IMDb Rating: 3.8)

“Mercy Road” is a psychological thriller directed by John Curran and written by Jesse Heffring, Christopher Lee Pelletier, and John Curran. The film stars Luke Bracey as Tom, a flawed everyman who commits a impulsive and vicious crime while searching for his missing daughter. Tom goes on the run from law enforcement and begins receiving chilling calls from an unknown entity claiming to know his daughter’s whereabouts. The film is set almost entirely inside a truck and unfolds in real-time, creating a compelling narrative within its 85-minute runtime.

The movie was produced by Hianlo Films and financed by Rainmaker Films, Icon Film Financing, Media Finance Capital, utilizing Screen NSW PDV scheme, and Filmology Finance. Notably, it was shot on a virtual set, continuing the tradition of vehicle sequences providing the illusion of movement.

“Mercy Road” received a dismal IMDb rating of 3.8, indicating a poor reception from viewers. Unfortunately, it failed to capture the audience’s imagination, leaving them disappointed.

The Exorcist: Believer (IMDb Rating: 4.9)

“The Exorcist: Believer” is a supernatural horror film directed by David Gordon Green, serving as the sixth installment in “The Exorcist” franchise and a sequel to the original 1973 film. The plot centers around the simultaneous possession of two young girls by the same demon that haunted the first movie, and the efforts of parents and clerics to liberate them from evil.

Principal photography took place between November 2022 and March 2023 on a production budget of $30 million. The movie was initially only available in theaters but later became available to stream exclusively on Universal’s streaming service, Peacock.

Despite the anticipation surrounding the return of “The Exorcist” franchise, “Believer” failed to live up to the expectations. With a lackluster IMDb rating of 4.9, the film received negative reviews from critics, who criticized its lack of fresh ideas and scares.

Freelance (IMDb Rating: 5.6)

“Freelance” is an American action-comedy film directed by Pierre Morel and written by Jacob Lentz. The film stars John Cena as Mason Pettits, an ex-special forces operative who takes on a freelance gig to provide private security for a journalist interviewing a ruthless dictator when a military coup breaks out. The unlikely trio must navigate the jungle to survive.

The film had a budget of at least $40 million and made $880,000 on its first day in theaters. It ran for 109 minutes and was released by Relativity Media.

“Freelance” received an IMDb rating of 5.6, indicating a lukewarm reception. While it combined action and comedy, the film failed to make a significant impact and received mixed reviews from critics.

Desperation Road (IMDb Rating: 5.7)

“Desperation Road” is an American action thriller directed by Nadine Crocker, based on the novel by Michael Farris Smith. The story is set in a small Mississippi town where justice and the law are two very different things, following the lives of Russell, a newly released prisoner, and Maben, a struggling single mother, whose lives were changed by a tragedy.

The film was released on October 6, 2023, in select theaters and digital format. It is rated R for its mature content, including a rape sequence, violence, and contemplation of suicide.

“Desperation Road” received a 5.7 IMDb rating, indicating a mediocre reception. While it garnered praise for its storytelling and characterizations, the mature content was noted as a concern for some viewers.

Butcher’s Crossing (IMDb Rating: 5.9)

“Butcher’s Crossing” is a Western drama film directed by Gabe Polsky, based on the novel by John Edward Williams. The film stars Nicolas Cage as Miller, a mysterious frontiersman, and Fred Hechinger as Will Andrews, a Harvard dropout who joins Miller and his crew of buffalo hunters on a journey through the Colorado wilderness.

The film explores themes of human nature, ambition, masculinity, and man’s relationship with his natural environment. It received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its cinematography and performances while others criticized its pacing and unevenness.

“Butcher’s Crossing” received a 5.9 IMDb rating, indicating a lukewarm reception. While it aimed to provide commentary on human nature and the environment, it failed to impress all audiences, particularly due to its violence and animal slaughter scenes.

In October 2023, several English-language films hit the screens, but these five, “Mercy Road,” “The Exorcist: Believer,” “Freelance,” “Desperation Road,” and “Butcher’s Crossing,” failed to captivate their audiences. With low IMDb ratings and critical reviews, these films left viewers disappointed, highlighting the challenges of producing successful movies in a highly competitive industry.