Case 39 (2009)
A social worker discovers chilling, dark forces surrounding a seemingly innocent girl, leading to gritty, brisk suspense.
In her many years as a social worker, Emily Jenkins believes she has seen it all, until she meets 10-year-old Lilith and the girl's cruel parents. Emily's worst fears are confirmed when the parents try to harm the child, and so Emily assumes custody of Lilith while she looks for a foster family. However, Emily soon finds that dark forces surround the seemingly innocent girl, and the more she tries to protect Lilith, the more horrors she encounters.
How intense is Case 39?
Case 39 is properly scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is brisk, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What Case 39 feels like
- Tone
- suspensefulchillinggrittydarkly comic
- Pace
- Brisk
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Case 39
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Case 39 for you?
Is Case 39 scary?
Yes, properly. Case 39 is scare level 2 of 3, the real thing without being an endurance test.
Is Case 39 gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is Case 39 sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is Case 39 OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 2, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is Case 39?
Case 39 runs 1h 49m.
Where can I stream Case 39?
Case 39 is streaming on Paramount+ and Tubi.
Does Case 39 have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
There is a twist, and that is all we are saying.
Cast and crew
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