Decay Movie Review: Should You Watch the Movie?

2025-08-05

Joseph Wartnerchaney’s Decay focuses on a man whose loneliness morphs into something tragic and deeply disturbing. Discover Decay movie review in this article!

Through a slow burn narrative, emotional ambiguity, and a harrowing character study, the film draws you into a decaying mind and home, both metaphorical and literal.

But does it deliver enough to be worth your time? This decay movie review will help you decide.

Decay Movie Explained

At its core, Decay is a psychological horror film that blurs the lines between love, madness, and isolation.

The story follows Jonathan, a reclusive maintenance man trapped in a life of strict, obsessive-compulsive routines. His existence is defined by silence, order, and a haunting sense of loneliness.

One day, a young woman named Katlyn unexpectedly enters his life. After a tragic turn of events, she dies in Jonathan’s home. Rather than reporting the incident, Jonathan makes a chilling choice: he keeps her body.

decay film review.

Not for malice, but because he finally has someone to talk to, someone who stays. As her body begins to decay, so too does Jonathan’s grasp on reality.

The film draws a disturbing parallel with real-life cases of obsession with the dead, such as Carl Tanzler, who preserved a woman’s corpse in an effort to maintain a fantasy of love. In Decay, the horror lies not in the grotesque imagery but in the eerie normalcy of Jonathan’s behavior.

The film shows little and implies much, letting the weight of Jonathan’s decisions speak louder than any scream.

Decay Movie Cast and Director

The Decay movie cast and rating may not boast big Hollywood names, but each performance is grounded and believable, serving the film’s somber tone well.

Rob Zabrecky plays Jonathan, delivering a haunting, restrained performance. His portrayal avoids exaggeration, making his descent into obsession all the more credible and disturbing.
Hannah Barron appears as Katlyn, the young woman whose presence triggers the film’s psychological spiral.
Lisa Howard takes on the role of Jonathan’s mother, whose brief yet intense scenes suggest the roots of Jonathan’s mental turmoil.
Jackie Hoffman, Elisha Yaffe, and others support the story with nuanced performances that add texture without drawing attention away from the central narrative.

The film is directed and written by Joseph Wartnerchaney, marking his debut. His direction shows restraint and intention, emphasizing subtle emotions over shock value.

Decay avoids sensationalism, opting for a thoughtful, character-driven narrative that reveals more about obsession and mental illness than many horror films dare to attempt.

Decay Film Review: Should You Watch This Movie?

So, should you watch Decay? That depends on what you're looking for in a film.

If you expect fast-paced action or traditional horror elements, you may find Decay too slow or understated. But if you appreciate psychological storytelling and character-driven films that linger in your mind long after the credits roll, Decay is well worth your time.

The film succeeds in painting a disturbing but deeply human portrait of a man trying to find meaning in a life defined by loneliness. It doesn't ask you to sympathize with Jonathan, but it does ask you to understand him. And that’s where the film’s power lies.

The decay horror movie explores themes of mental illness, isolation, and morality without moralizing or sensationalizing. Jonathan’s OCD is portrayed with accuracy and empathy, revealing how compulsions can shape and distort a person's reality.

Rather than presenting him as a monster, the film shows him as a man who is broken and desperately seeking connection.

The minimalist production, the meticulous use of repetition, and the carefully chosen dialogue all contribute to a growing sense of unease. You don’t need loud noises or jump cuts to feel disturbed, Decay proves that a whisper can sometimes be more chilling than a scream.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Decay is not a film for everyone. It is quiet, eerie, and deeply personal. But for those who are willing to sit with its uncomfortable truths, it offers a compelling exploration of loneliness, mental illness, and human fragility.

With strong performances, particularly from Rob Zabrecky, and thoughtful direction from Joseph Wartnerchaney, Decay stands out as a 2025 horror film that dares to do something different. It’s less about fear and more about the slow unraveling of a man’s inner world.

If you are a fan of psychological horror, nuanced storytelling, and films that leave you thinking, then yes, you should watch Decay.

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FAQ

What is Decay about?

Decay is a 2025 psychological horror film that follows Jonathan, a lonely man who keeps a young woman’s corpse in his home after she dies unexpectedly. The film explores themes of mental illness, loneliness, and obsession.

Is Decay based on a true story?

While Decay is a fictional film, it draws inspiration from real-life cases such as Carl Tanzler, who kept a woman’s corpse in his home for years.

Is Decay a typical horror movie?

Unlike traditional horror films, Decay focuses on psychological tension and emotional decay rather than jump scares or gore. It’s more disturbing than frightening.

Who stars in Decay?

Rob Zabrecky stars as Jonathan. The supporting cast includes Hannah Barron as Katlyn, Lisa Howard as Jonathan’s mother, and Jackie Hoffman as the neighbor.

What is the rating for Decay?

While Decay may not have an official MPAA rating, it contains disturbing themes and imagery suitable for mature audiences.

What makes Decay different from other horror films?

Decay avoids horror clichés and focuses on a slow, psychological unraveling. Its strength lies in character depth, emotional subtlety, and thematic resonance.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article does not constitute financial or investment advice.

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