Neglected (2026) Review: A Detective's Race Against Suffocation

This Neglected review looks at David Lipper's lean crime thriller, which turns one detective's final shift into a desperate countdown. It runs just 92 minutes, and it knows that a ticking clock is its best weapon. If you want a quick, tense watch, here is what to expect.

Neglected Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Neglected plot is simple and effective. Detective Shaw (Josh Duhamel) is about to retire when he learns, on his last day, that a serial killer has buried his son alive. The boy has only so much air, and the only way to find him is to solve three murders.

That setup gives the film a clear engine. Every scene either pushes Shaw closer to the killer or burns another minute off the clock. The tagline asks, "How far would you go to save your son?" and the film keeps coming back to that question.

The script comes from Lipper and Adam G. Levine. It sticks to the first-act promise and avoids padding, which suits a story built on urgency.

What Works in Neglected

The premise is the film's biggest strength. A buried child is a primal fear, and the countdown gives the investigation real stakes without needing elaborate set pieces.

The short runtime helps too. At 92 minutes, the story rarely drags, and the pace suits a case that has to be cracked quickly.

There is also a thoughtful idea running underneath. The title hints at how people become dangerous, and one early audience comment picked up on the theme that killers are often shaped by neglect. That gives the crime plot a little more weight than a standard chase.

• A clear, high-stakes hook

• A brisk pace with little filler

• A theme that adds some depth

Neglected Cast and Performances

The Neglected cast is led by Josh Duhamel as Shaw. He suits the role of a tired lawman pushed past his limits, and he carries the emotional load of the film. His desperation is the reason the thriller holds together.

Dylan Sprouse plays AJ, and Elena Sanchez appears as Keyes. Director David Lipper also takes the role of Mayor Richards, giving the film a political presence in the background. Jason London (Deacon) and Jeremy London (Sloan) round out the main players.

The ensemble is solid for a lower-budget crime picture. Duhamel gets the most to do, and the supporting actors mostly serve the investigation.

Where Neglected Stumbles

This is a modest production, and it shows. Thrillers about a race against time live or die on tension, and a few stretches feel more routine than gripping. Genre fans will recognise many of the beats.

The three-murder structure can also feel mechanical. Clues arrive on schedule, and the procedural side of the story is less surprising than the premise promises.

Audience reception reflects this mixed picture. On TMDB it holds a 6.1 out of 10 from a small number of votes, which fits a film that is competent and engaging rather than exceptional.

Is Neglected Worth Watching?

Yes, Neglected is worth watching if you enjoy compact crime thrillers with a strong hook. It will not reinvent the genre, but it delivers a focused story, a committed lead and a pace that respects your time.

If you want more of the same, browse our Crime movie reviews or our Action movie reviews. For another gritty, no-frills option, see our take on Ruthless Bastards.

The Neglected release date is listed as 8 May 2026. Check your local listings for where to watch Neglected, as we have no confirmed streaming details.

Who Will Enjoy Neglected

• Fans of ticking-clock crime thrillers and serial killer procedurals

• Viewers who like Josh Duhamel in a serious, intense role

• Anyone after a short, straightforward watch for a quiet evening