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You Should Have Left

You Should Have Left is a 2020 American psychological horror film written and directed by David Koepp, based on the 2017 novella by Daniel Kehlmann.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

You Should Have Left is a 2020 American psychological horror film written and directed by David Koepp, based on the 2017 novella by Daniel Kehlmann. It stars Kevin Bacon and Amanda Seyfried as a couple whose family vacation in Wales turns unsettling. The film was released digitally by Universal Pictures in June 2020 and received mixed reviews from critics.

Plot

The film follows a family who rent an isolated modern house in Wales for a getaway. As unsettling events unfold, the house appears to distort reality and trap them in a psychological nightmare.

Production

You Should Have Left was adapted by David Koepp from Daniel Kehlmann’s 2017 novella. Blumhouse Productions produced the film, with Jason Blum among the producers.

Release

The film was originally intended for theatrical release but instead debuted digitally through premium video on demand on June 18, 2020, via Universal Pictures.

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with responses varying on its atmosphere, performances, and overall effectiveness as a horror film.

Key facts

  • You Should Have Left is a 2020 psychological horror film written and directed by David Koepp.
  • It is based on Daniel Kehlmann’s 2017 novella of the same name.
  • The film stars Kevin Bacon and Amanda Seyfried as a couple on a family vacation in Wales.
  • It was released digitally on June 18, 2020, via premium video on demand.
  • Critical reception was mixed.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed by Universal Pictures and was available through digital and streaming platforms, making it accessible to Canadian viewers in the same general North American market.

Frequently asked questions

What is You Should Have Left about?
It is about a family vacationing in a remote Welsh house that becomes increasingly disturbing and seemingly traps them in a psychological horror scenario.
Who directed You Should Have Left?
David Koepp wrote and directed the film.
Who stars in You Should Have Left?
The film stars Kevin Bacon and Amanda Seyfried, with Avery Tiiu Essex in a supporting role.
What is it based on?
It is based on Daniel Kehlmann’s 2017 novella of the same name.
When was it released?
It was released digitally on June 18, 2020.
How was it received?
It received mixed reviews from critics.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Should_Have_Left
    Supports: Basic film identification, year, genre, director, cast, source novella, and digital release information.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/you_should_have_left
    Supports: Runtime, genre, rating, release timing, production credits, and mixed critical reception.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8201852/
    Supports: Plot premise, cast, runtime, and release year.
  4. YouTube / Universal Pictures trailer — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw0-cV_J9q4
    Supports: Official synopsis, cast, setting, and production attribution.