🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Wes Craven
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Slasher
- Release year: 2010
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 4.8/10 (22K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 11%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A schizophrenic serial killer’s soul splits into seven babies who then have to deal with their own teenage angst and also maybe each other’s evil twin personalities or something, Wes Craven’s style.
🍿 My Soul to Take: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Legend of the Riverton Ripper
In the small town of Riverton, a serial killer known as the Riverton Ripper terrorizes the community. The Ripper, revealed to be a man named Abel Plenkov, suffers from multiple personality disorder, leading him to commit gruesome acts he doesn’t remember. He’s seemingly killed after attacking his pregnant wife, but his body disappears after the ambulance transporting him crashes.

The Riverton Seven
On the same night the Riverton Ripper disappears, seven children are born in Riverton. Legend states that the Ripper vowed to return and murder these children. Sixteen years later, these children, known as the Riverton Seven, prepare for their annual ritual to ward off the evil spirit. However, strange events and disappearances begin to occur, leading the town to believe the Ripper has returned.

Bug’s Dark Visions
Adam “Bug” Heller, one of the Riverton Seven, suffers from intense nightmares and visions connected to the Ripper’s murders. As the anniversary of the Ripper’s death approaches, Bug struggles to understand his connection to the past and fears he may be the key to the evil returning. He grapples with the possibility that he might be inheriting his father’s murderous tendencies, amplified by the town’s fearful whispers.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Bug (Max Thieriot): A troubled teenager plagued by nightmares who may hold the key to stopping the resurrected Riverton Ripper.
- Abel Plenkov (Raúl Esparza): A schizophrenic serial killer known as the Riverton Ripper who terrorizes the town and seeks revenge from beyond the grave.
- Alex (John Magaro): Bug’s loyal best friend, who supports him as they face the return of the Riverton Ripper.
- Fang (Emily Meade): Bug’s sister.
- Brandon (Nick Lashaway): A jock.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Bug: “I am the condor. The Keeper of the Souls. I eat death for breakfast. I live in a house of blood and I accept that. That’s all a man can do.” – Bug’s internal monologue, reflecting his acceptance of his connection to the Riverton Ripper.
- Bug: “I was ready to be arrested that night. I wasn’t ready for what happened instead.” – Bug describing how he unexpectedly became a hero instead of being arrested
💰Box Office
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $14,744,435
- Worldwide Gross: $21,500,813
💥 My Soul to Take Reviews
Personal Review
I really wanted to like this movie, especially knowing Wes Craven was behind it. The initial setup had potential, a serial killer’s soul fragmented into seven kids born the night he died is an interesting concept. However, the execution just felt messy and confusing. The characters were pretty bland and the scares were few and far between. Honestly, it felt like Craven was trying to recapture the magic of Scream but it just didn’t click for me. The 3D was pointless, total waste of money. Ultimately, this one’s a pass.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Wes Craven’s earlier work, particularly those who appreciate his exploration of psychological horror themes.”
- “Viewers interested in supernatural slasher films with a unique twist on possession and soul transference.”
- “Those who enjoy teen horror movies with a focus on character development and mystery, despite mixed reviews.”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence and gore”
- “Disturbing themes of murder and possession”
- “Intense psychological horror”
- “Teen drinking”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “Despite numerous warnings, I saw MSTT. It’s extremely, horribly, atrociously bad. Dialog is like a fresh-out-of-drama-school reject, not a 40-year veteran. While the story had promise, the execution failed completely. Craven can’t blame anyone else ’cause this atrocity was all his. There was no discernible 3D in the film whatsoever!!!!
- Movie Critic: “‘My Soul to Take’ is an awful horror movie by Wes Craven. This film is certainly the bottom of the career of the former master of horror, with a ridiculous story full of clichés and badly developed characters. The lines and the premise are so stupid that does not worth a long review in respect to the past of this writer and director
- IMDb: “Wes’ new film a meagre 6/10. I mean, 6 out of 10 isn’t even that bad for a horror film but for a Wes Craven horror film it is a terrible grade. I like Wes’ films because of the fact that he can make a simple story into something complex and interesting.
Audience Reactions
Some enjoyed the film’s attempt at originality, despite its flaws.: Mixed reactions, with some appreciating the unique premise and the director’s signature style, while others found it confusing and lacking in scares.
Overall Consensus: Generally negative, with many finding the plot convoluted, the characters underdeveloped, and the scares underwhelming.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This was the first film that Wes Craven both wrote and directed since ‘Wes Craven’s New Nightmare’ (1994).”
- “The film was originally intended to be released in 2009, but was delayed until 2010.”
- “Wes Craven appears in the movie as the writer.”
🖥️ How to Watch My Soul to Take?
My Soul to Take is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other major digital movie retailers. Check your preferred platform for availability in your region and specific pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed My Soul to Take, you might like these similar films:
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): Another Wes Craven film that blends supernatural horror with slasher elements, exploring themes of nightmares and hidden pasts.
- Scream (1996): Also directed by Wes Craven, this movie is a meta-slasher film that satirizes horror tropes while delivering genuine scares.
- Halloween (1978): A classic slasher film where a masked killer returns to his hometown to stalk teenagers on Halloween night.
- It Follows (2014): A modern horror film with a supernatural entity that relentlessly pursues its victims, creating a sense of dread and paranoia.
🛒 My Soul to Take Related Products
- Scream (4K UHD): Relive the classic horror franchise in stunning 4K resolution. Perfect for fans of meta-horror and witty scares.
- California Condor Plush Toy: A soft and cuddly representation of the California Condor, symbolizing the ‘Keeper of Souls’ as mentioned in the film, this plush toy is a unique and meaningful collectible for fans.
- Nightmare on Elm Street: The Complete Collection: Explore Wes Craven’s most famous horror franchise, featuring Freddy Krueger. Perfect for fans of classic slasher flicks.
- Split Personality Disorder Explained: Learn about split personality disorder.
🎧 Soundtrack
My Soul to Take features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Riverton Ripper, Abel Plenkov, is driven by a severe case of multiple personality disorder and the belief that he is enacting vengeance based on the various voices within him. These voices, representing different souls, lead him to target the Riverton Seven as part of a twisted ritual.
Bug is a “condor,” a being capable of absorbing and containing the souls of others. This ability allows him to prevent souls from being lost and, ultimately, to contain the Ripper’s evil spirit, protecting Riverton.
No, My Soul to Take is a standalone film with no direct connections to other Wes Craven franchises like Scream or A Nightmare on Elm Street. However, it shares common thematic elements and stylistic choices characteristic of Craven’s horror films.
🔥 Bonus Content
5 Overlooked Films Ep 23 – Mainstream Horror Flops
Ever wonder why some horror movies just don’t click? This video dives into why ‘My Soul to Take’ and other mainstream horror flicks flopped, offering some interesting insights and perspectives. You might be surprised by some of the reasons!
My Soul to Take (2010) – Movie Review
Want a brutally honest take on ‘My Soul to Take’? This review doesn’t pull any punches, giving you a detailed rundown of what worked (or didn’t!) and whether it’s worth your time. I found the reviewer’s points about the script particularly interesting – what do you think?
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