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The Pretenders 2019

Runtime

95 min

Inspired by the French New Wave, film student Terry becomes involved with a captivating actress named Catherine and his friend Phil. Their fascination with Catherine leads them into a complicated situation filled with deception. As they navigate her world, the lines between reality and the art of filmmaking become increasingly blurred. This entanglement results in a destructive cycle of manipulation and betrayal, with painful repercussions for all involved.

Inspired by the French New Wave, film student Terry becomes involved with a captivating actress named Catherine and his friend Phil. Their fascination with Catherine leads them into a complicated situation filled with deception. As they navigate her world, the lines between reality and the art of filmmaking become increasingly blurred. This entanglement results in a destructive cycle of manipulation and betrayal, with painful repercussions for all involved.

Does The Pretenders have end credit scenes?

No!

The Pretenders does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Pretenders

Explore the complete cast of The Pretenders, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Pretenders

See how The Pretenders is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Pretenders stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

36

The Pretenders struggles to cohere across its various elements, resulting in a largely negative reception. Critics point to shallow character writing and uneven narrative structure that undermines the film’s nostalgic ambitions. While some appreciate experimental nods to French New Wave and moments of measured visual style, these rarely coalesce into sustained engagement. Overall, the film’s sporadic strengths fail to offset its pervasive flaws in execution and depth.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Pretenders

45
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film displays intermittent visual ambition through soft-focused compositions and occasional experimental framing. Reviews commend its nods to New Wave aesthetics but frequently criticize the production design and editing for feeling superficial and disjointed. The sporadic visual flourishes are insufficient to establish a coherent stylistic identity overall.

30
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the film suffers from underdeveloped protagonists and limited emotional resonance. Critics note that performances often feel detached and interactions lack genuine chemistry, despite a few moments of stoic intensity. The inability to foster viewer investment in the central trio leaves character arcs feeling hollow and unconvincing by the story’s end.

35
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the narrative begins with promise but quickly becomes erratic and unfocused. Observers mention a disjointed pacing that undermines engagement and plot threads that lack coherent development. Originality is marred by repetitive references to cinema history, and the uneven structure diminishes the film’s potential to deliver a compelling arc.

40
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When considering the sensory experience, the film offers a modest but inconsistent auditory and visual palette. The soundtrack’s homage to French New Wave provides occasional warmth, yet the sound design and mixing sometimes feel imbalanced. Similarly, the visual style exhibits glimpses of cohesion but is undermined by uneven lighting and inconsistent mood throughout.

30
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

When assessing rewatch factor, the film’s uneven pacing and shallow character work limit its appeal for subsequent viewings. While cinephiles may revisit certain homages to classics, the lack of cohesive storytelling and emotional depth makes repeated engagement unlikely. The movie’s sporadic highlights do little to sustain lasting audience interest beyond an initial watch.

Metacritic

14

Metascore

tbd

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

20%

TOMATOMETER

review

33%

User Score

IMDb

4.8 /10

IMDb Rating

Letterboxd

3.0

From 1 fan rating

Movie Insider

2.67/5

From 3 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Pretenders Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Pretenders with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Pretenders Quiz: Test your knowledge on the thrilling events and characters of The Pretenders from 2019.

What alias does Jarod use while posing as a National Security Agency agent?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Pretenders

See more

Read the complete plot summary of The Pretenders, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


As the drama unfolds in the latest installment of the Pretender saga, the original cast reunites, resuming the story right where the suspenseful season four finale left off. Jarod, now portrayed by Michael T. Weiss, takes on the guise of a National Security Agency agent, immersing himself in a high-stakes chase as he seeks to capture the enigmatic “Chameleon,” a cunning serial killer who has perfected the art of imitation, embodying the very qualities of a Pretender.

Amidst this turmoil, The Centre grapples with a sudden change in events when its leader, Mr. Parker, mysteriously disappears without a trace, leaving the organization momentarily distracted from its relentless pursuit of Jarod. The news devastates Miss Parker, who is left to confront the harsh reality while connecting the dots surrounding her father’s abduction. Her brother, Mr. Lyle (played by James Denton), proves to be an unreliable ally as he seeks vengeance against William Raines (Richard Marcus), but is ultimately saved by Miss Parker’s timely intervention.

In return for her assistance, Raines agrees to offer vital information regarding the identity of Mr. Parker’s kidnapper, triggering a cascade of events that thrusts Jarod into a convoluted web of enigmatic clues and personal grudges. As he investigates further, Jarod discovers his pursuer may harbor a personal vendetta against him, bringing forth painful memories of his daring escape from the clutches of the Centre.

The specter of the past reemerges as Jarod reflects on the fateful days leading up to his escape, during which he concocted a plan with two fellow Pretenders, one of whom is Alex (portrayed by Peter Outerbridge). Unfortunately, their getaway was thwarted, leading to Alex’s horrific capture and the torturous experiences that followed. Fueled by a thirst for revenge, Alex becomes a tragic figure with a twisted path of violence and deception.

As Jarod’s quest to reconnect with his biological family unwittingly allows the Centre to regain influence over him, Alex resolves to take drastic measures. He sets his sights on Mr. Parker and kidnaps him, intent on adding to his sinister list of victims. The stakes are higher than ever, compelling Jarod and Miss Parker to collaborate and untangle the threads of their complicated history to avert impending disaster.

As the scenario intensifies, Jarod’s carefully constructed cover is placed in jeopardy when evidence left by Alex points to his alleged connection with the agency’s prized operative known as “Chameleon.” Meanwhile, Broots (played by Jon Gries), the Centre’s resourceful programmer, finds himself ensnared in the ongoing investigation, eventually facing a relentless interrogation. Recognizing the predicament his partner is in, Jarod prioritizes Broots’ safety over loyalty, striving to navigate the perilous situation and expertly steering Broots away from harm, only to leave him on the roadside moments later.

The climax of this tense narrative sees Jarod skillfully thwarting Alex’s latest assassination attempt and liberating the enigmatic Mr. Parker from his captors. Just as Alex teeters on the edge of ending his own life, he provocatively warns Jarod that the truth regarding his identity will die with him. The chaos that ensues results in Mr. Parker, gravely injured, falling into a catatonic state. As Jarod and Miss Parker engage in a fraught phone call, they both receive an anonymous email that sends shockwaves through their lives. This unexpected message, a gesture of gratitude from Mr. Raines himself, showcases a profound image of two women— the mothers of both Miss Parker and Jarod— united in a poignant expression of maternal love and connection.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

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The Pretenders Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


love trianglephotographerfrench new wavereference to jean luc godardscreenwriterinterracial romancenew york

The Pretenders Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for The Pretenders across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


The Pretenders Притворщики Oszuści Претендентите Színlelők Přetvářka Un triunghi amoros 伪装者

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