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Music documentary

Cypher (2023): Cast & Ratings

Cypher (2023) movie poster

Cypher is a 2023 music documentary directed by Chris Moukarbel, starring Tierra Whack, Chris Anthony and Vanya Asher. It runs 1 hour 21 minutes. Critics gave it 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.

IMDb rating
5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
87%
Echo Score
72
Metascore
69
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Cypher (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 21m (81 min)
Director
Chris Moukarbel
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Cypher About?

The premise of Cypher without spoilers.

The film explores the journey of Tierra Whack, a rising musical phenomenon, as her career gains momentum. Through a unique blend of documentary and thriller elements, it examines the impact of a YouTube channel documenting her rise to fame. As Tierra’s popularity grows, questions arise about the channel’s creator and the price of constant observation in the pursuit of stardom. The film delves into the complex relationship between artist and audience, and the blurred lines of identity in the digital age.

Cypher Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • secret
  • artist
  • pseudo documentary
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Cast & crew

Cypher Cast & Characters

Tierra Whack leads the cast, with Chris Anthony as Tina Johnson Banner and Vanya Asher as Felicks the Cat. Directed by Chris Moukarbel; 17 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Cypher

· 13 more
Ratings

Cypher Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Cypher 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 72/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in sensory experience (65).

72 /100

Cypher Echo Score Breakdown

Cypher presents a bold hybrid of documentary and fictional mystery that intrigues viewers with its conceptual originality and playful self‑awareness. Critics commend the film's inventive structure and Tierra Whack's engaging presence, yet note that its tonal swings and occasional exasperating jokes can detract from a cohesive experience. Audience reactions echo this divide, finding the short runtime lively while some feel the premise wears thin. Overall, the film delivers a memorable, if uneven, experiment that rewards curiosity.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    The film’s art and craft are highlighted by a cleverly constructed ruse and cross‑genre experimentation. Reviewers praise the conceptual originality and the director’s inventive approach to blending documentary with scripted elements. Some criticism points to uneven execution that hampers sustained brilliance. In sum, the visual and technical execution is solid, though not uniformly flawless.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    Character work centers on Tierra Whack, whose performance is described as engaging and nuanced. Critics note her ability to navigate the line between real and fictional personas, adding depth to the narrative. The supporting cast of hip‑hop luminaries contributes to a lively dynamic. Overall, the character portrayals are a strong asset that enrich the film’s appeal.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Storytelling in Cypher blends mystery, humor, and psychological tension. Reviewers appreciate the fast‑paced, original premise that keeps viewers guessing, while some find the plot’s later sections struggle to maintain momentum. The mixed reception reflects a balance of inventive twists and occasional narrative fatigue. Consequently, the story is generally compelling but not consistently tight.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    Sensory elements, including the soundtrack and visual style, receive moderate commendation. The film’s hip‑hop influences and subtle shifts in tone are noted as effective, yet there is limited commentary on sound design or cinematography. While the audio‑visual choices support the experimental mood, they do not stand out as a defining strength. Overall, the sensory experience is adequate but unremarkable.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch potential is driven by the film’s playful mystery and its appeal as a group viewing experience. Critics and users mention the fun factor and the desire to discuss the twists after watching. However, the exasperating moments and uneven pacing may diminish repeat enjoyment for some. In balance, Cypher offers decent replay value for viewers who appreciate its novelty.

Videos

Cypher Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Cypher.

Official Trailer
Details

Cypher Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “사이퍼” and “סייפר”.

Also known as
  • 사이퍼
  • סייפר

Seen Cypher?

FAQ

Cypher FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Cypher, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Cypher?

Cypher runs 1 hour 21 minutes (81 minutes).

When was Cypher released?

Cypher was released on November 24, 2023.

Who directed Cypher?

Cypher was directed by Chris Moukarbel.

More films by Chris Moukarbel

Who is in the cast of Cypher?

Cypher stars Tierra Whack, Chris Anthony as Tina Johnson Banner and Vanya Asher as Felicks the Cat, among 17 credited actors.

How is Cypher rated?

Cypher has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic and 64% on TMDB.

Does Cypher have a post-credit scene?

No. Cypher has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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