Hide and Seek (2005)
A psychological horror thriller where a father's worst fears take shape through his daughter's darkly compelling imaginary friend.
Hide and Seek - Movie Information
- Original Title: Hide and Seek
- Release Year: 2005
- Directed by: John Polson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Mystery
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 27, 2005 (United States - R), February 25, 2005 (United Kingdom - 15), April 6, 2005 (Germany - 16), February 23, 2005 (France - 12), February 10, 2005 (Australia - M), March 11, 2005 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: O Amigo Oculto (BR), Hra na schovávanou (CZ), Cache-cache (CA), Криеница (BG), Trouble jeu (FR), Mente Siniestra (MX), Peitusemäng (EE), Mente siniestra (AR)
- Production Companies: MBC Beteiligungs Filmproduktion, Fox 2000 Pictures, Josephson Entertainment, 20th Century Fox
- Production Countries: United States of America
Hide and Seek - Plot
David Callaway tries to piece together his life in the wake of his wife's suicide and has been left to raise his nine-year-old daughter, Emily on his own. David is at first amused to discover that Emily has created an imaginary friend named 'Charlie', but it isn't long before 'Charlie' develops a sinister and violent side, and as David struggles with his daughter's growing emotional problems, he comes to the frightening realisation that 'Charlie' isn't just a figment of Emily's imagination.
Hide and Seek - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the dread unfold from the very first frame:
Come out, come out, whatever you are.
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Hide and Seek - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Polson
Main Cast
- Robert De Niro
- Dakota Fanning
- Famke Janssen
- Elisabeth Shue
- Amy Irving
- Dylan Baker
- Melissa Leo
- Robert John Burke
- Molly Grant Kallins
- David Chandler
Writers
- Ari Schlossberg
Producers
- Barry Josephson
Hide and Seek - FAQs
What is Hide and Seek (2005) about?
Hide and Seek follows David Callaway, a grieving psychologist played by Robert De Niro, who moves his young daughter Emily to a rural home after his wife's suicide. Emily soon befriends an imaginary companion named Charlie — but Charlie's behavior grows increasingly sinister, blurring the line between fantasy and terrifying reality.
What is the twist ending of Hide and Seek explained?
The film's twist reveals that David himself is Charlie — he developed a violent alternate personality following his wife's death. His dissociative identity disorder caused him to commit the murders he attributed to Emily's imaginary friend, making the horror far more psychological than supernatural.
Where can you stream Hide and Seek (2005)?
Hide and Seek is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's not currently on a subscription streaming service, but digital rental is widely accessible across major platforms.
Does Hide and Seek have multiple alternate endings?
Yes — the DVD release of Hide and Seek famously includes six alternate endings, each taking the story in a different direction after the twist is revealed. It's a rare case where the studio tested multiple conclusions, and the extras make for a fascinating companion to the theatrical cut.
Who are the main actors in Hide and Seek?
The film stars Robert De Niro as the troubled father David Callaway and a young Dakota Fanning delivering a chilling performance as his daughter Emily. The supporting cast includes Famke Janssen, Elisabeth Shue, Amy Irving, Dylan Baker, and Melissa Leo.
Is Hide and Seek based on a true story?
No, Hide and Seek is not based on a true story. It's an original screenplay by Ari Schlossberg. The film draws on psychological thriller conventions — particularly dissociative identity disorder — to craft its central mystery, but the characters and events are entirely fictional.
How was Hide and Seek received by critics?
Critics were largely mixed to negative on Hide and Seek, with many finding the twist predictable and the pacing uneven. However, audiences responded more warmly, and the film was a solid box office performer, earning over $127 million worldwide against a $30 million budget.
What age rating is Hide and Seek (2005)?
Hide and Seek is rated R in the United States, meaning it's intended for audiences 17 and older. The rating reflects the film's disturbing psychological content, violence, and intense horror sequences — not the kind of movie to watch with young children despite its child-centered story.
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