The Handyman (The Handyman) (2025) Review: A Affair That Invites Danger

This The Handyman review looks at Angela Barrow-Dunlap's 2025 thriller, a compact 78-minute story of infidelity and suspicion. It is a small-scale production with a familiar hook, and it lives or dies on its performances and pacing. Here is what to expect before you press play.

A quick note on identity: two different 2025 films share this title. This review covers the one directed by Angela Barrow-Dunlap and starring Claudia Jordan, not the action film about a mansion and home invaders.

The Handyman Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Handyman plot starts with Morgan, a housewife whose domestic life has lost its spark. She begins an affair with the handyman, Damien, and what looks like a private escape soon becomes a risk. As secrets emerge, suspicion spreads, and the film sets up a world where no one can be trusted.

That is the whole setup, and it is a classic one. The story belongs to the domestic thriller tradition, where a home becomes a place of tension rather than comfort. If you like slow-building suspicion over big set pieces, the premise should appeal.

What Works in The Handyman

The short runtime is the film's best asset. At 78 minutes, it has little room to sag, and the premise gets going quickly.

• A clear hook: an affair with someone who has access to your home is an easy idea to grasp and a good source of tension.

• Tight focus: the story keeps its attention on a small circle of characters, which suits the claustrophobic mood.

• Three credited writers: Angela Barrow-Dunlap, Diana Alexander and Kennedy Rose Dunlap shaped the script, and the suspicion-driven structure is easy to follow.

Barrow-Dunlap directs with an eye on the relationships rather than spectacle. That restraint suits a story about secrets.

The Handyman Cast and Performances

The The Handyman cast is led by Claudia Jordan as Morgan, the woman at the centre of the affair. Jordan carries the film, and the story's tension depends on whether you believe her character's mix of desire and unease.

Donald Brumfield Jr. plays Damien, the handyman. Kaamel Hasaun appears as Brian, while Chevonne Wilson plays Tiffany and Kendall Tiffany Hall plays Brandi. Tomika McGhee rounds out the main credits as a police officer, a role that hints at where the stakes may go without giving anything away.

Public information on how these performances land is thin, so judge the acting for yourself. With a cast this size, the chemistry between Morgan and Damien matters most.

Where The Handyman Stumbles

This is a low-profile release, and audience feedback is limited. The film holds an IMDb score of 4.4/10 from only 55 ratings, and no critic consensus exists, so the sample is small and uncertain.

Expect the usual risks of the genre. The domestic-thriller formula is well worn, so familiar beats can feel predictable. A tight budget can also show in the pacing, the polish and the sound.

The listed genre in our records is Action, but the premise reads far more like a thriller with drama at its core. If you come expecting fight scenes, adjust your expectations. For comparison, you can browse our thriller movie reviews or other drama movie reviews.

Is The Handyman Worth Watching?

Is The Handyman worth watching? Yes, if you want a short, modest thriller and can accept a small-budget feel. It is not a must-see, but it is an easy 78-minute watch for fans of the genre.

The early audience response is lukewarm, so keep expectations in check. The premise is solid, and a short runtime means you will not lose much time if it does not click. For fans of tense home-based stories, it might be a pleasant surprise.

If you want something bigger in scale, try 96 Minutes, a runaway-train thriller we covered recently. For more of the genre, see our Action movie reviews. You can also check the IMDb page for The Handyman for cast details and updated ratings.

Who Will Enjoy The Handyman

• Fans of domestic thrillers built on affairs, secrets and suspicion.

• Viewers who like short films that finish in under 80 minutes.

• Audiences who enjoy independent, small-scale productions and do not mind rough edges.

The film's release date was 16 August 2025, so it is a recent title that is still finding its audience.