Else (2025): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Else is a 2025 drama horror film directed by Thibault Emin, starring Lika Minamoto as Setsuko, Toni d'Antonio and Matthieu Sampeur. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes and earned $30,963 worldwide. IMDb users rate it 5.4/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 42m (102 min)
- Director
- Thibault Emin
- Original language
-
French
- Studio
- Les Produits Frais
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Else About?
The premise of Else without spoilers.
A shy young man finds love with a vibrant woman, but their budding romance is threatened by a bizarre and unsettling epidemic. As the disease spreads, those infected begin to merge with their environment, transforming into unsettling hybrids. The couple finds themselves trapped in a surreal and increasingly dangerous situation, struggling to survive a world where reality itself is shifting and merging around them.
Else Themes & Keywords
· 13 tags- based on short film
- metamorphosis
- directorial debut
- body horror
- epidemic
- social commentary
- 2020s
- france
- apocalypse
- one night stand
- one word title
- garbage chute
+1 more Show fewer
- apartment
Else Cast & Characters
Lika Minamoto leads the cast as Setsuko, with Toni d'Antonio as M. Mouaki and Matthieu Sampeur as Anx Gulmann. Directed by Thibault Emin; 19 actors are credited in all.
- Director Thibault Emin
- Lika Minamoto as Setsuko
- Toni d'Antonio as M. Mouaki
- Matthieu Sampeur as Anx Gulmann
- Edith Proust as Cass Nozychka
Also Starring in Else
· 15 more- Lydia Mirdjanian Voix reportage TV gymnase
- Camille Deveyrinas Anx (19 ans)
- Patricia Willerval La mère d'Anx
- Cyril Benoît Militaire 1
- Lauriane Chesnel Militaire 3
- Vassili Schemann Colocataire de Cass
- Théa De Boeck La petite fille
- Ibrahim Bakirov Homme fusionné avec la roche
- Jano Holster M. Mouaki
- Joel Filin M. Van der Voort
- Agnès Godet Suzanne Van der Voort
- Alexis Volis Militaire homme
- Billy Johansson Voix reportage métamorphisme
- Elisabeth Renault-Geslin Militaire femme
- Benoit Lemaire Voix Bigbrotherhood
Else Reviews & Ratings
IMDb users rate Else 5.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in character & emotion (58).
Else Echo Score Breakdown
Else delivers a distinctive visual experience anchored by striking cinematography and inventive design, yet its narrative coherence and emotional resonance are uneven. Critics applaud the film's originality and atmospheric ambition, while several reviewers note pacing lapses and a lack of sustained character investment. Audience reactions echo this split, with many praising the surreal aesthetic and philosophical undertones but expressing frustration over the thin third act. Overall, the film stands as a bold but imperfect entry in arthouse horror.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art and craft, the film excels with arresting visuals and meticulous production design. Critics repeatedly cite the striking cinematography and effective practical and digital effects, and users echo the surreal aesthetic. Some reviewers, however, mention that the visual ambition occasionally overshadows narrative clarity. The consensus is that the technical execution is a strong point, though not uniformly flawless.
- Character & Emotion 58
When it comes to character and emotion, responses are mixed. Several critics highlight the film's inability to forge a firm emotional grip on its central couple, and users note that the relationship feels awkward or unappealing to some viewers. A few reviewers appreciate the nuanced contrast between the protagonists, but overall the character development is viewed as insufficiently compelling, yielding a lukewarm impression.
- Story & Flow 66
Regarding story and flow, the premise is praised for originality and philosophical depth, yet pacing and structural elements draw criticism. Critics point out a heady, sometimes opaque narrative, and some users criticize the missing third act and pretentious tone. Nonetheless, the film’s unique apocalyptic concept and measured pacing in sections are recognized as strengths, resulting in a moderately positive assessment of its storytelling.
- Sensory Experience 71
The sensory experience is dominated by the film’s visual style, which is widely regarded as vivid and immersive. Reviewers commend the color palette, unsettling imagery, and effective sound design that support the horror atmosphere. Though soundtrack commentary is limited, the overall sensory impact is seen as a major asset, delivering a cohesive and engaging audiovisual environment despite occasional excess.
- Rewatch Factor 62
Rewatch factor reflects the film’s divisive appeal. Some viewers find the surreal world and bold concepts rewarding on subsequent viewings, citing its growing appreciation over time. Others argue the slow pacing and thin emotional core diminish repeat value. The consensus suggests a modest replay potential, appealing primarily to fans of experimental horror who are willing to revisit its layered imagery.
-
IMDb 5.4 /10
950 votes
See on IMDb -
TMDB 67% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.1 /5
4452 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Else Box Office
Else grossed $30,963 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$31K
- International
- $31K
Else Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Official Trailer [Subtitled]
Else Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “엘스” and “融合”.
- Also known as
-
- 엘스
- 融合
- Иное
Seen Else?
Movies Like Else
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Elsewhere, Epidemic and Endzeit - Ever After.
Else FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Else, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Else?
Else runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).
When was Else released?
Else was released on July 8, 2025.
Who directed Else?
Else was directed by Thibault Emin.
Who is in the cast of Else?
Else stars Lika Minamoto as Setsuko, Toni d'Antonio as M. Mouaki and Matthieu Sampeur as Anx Gulmann, among 19 credited actors.
How much did Else make at the box office?
Else grossed $30,963 worldwide.
How is Else rated?
Else has 5.4/10 on IMDb, 67% on TMDB and 3.1/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Else have a post-credit scene?
No. Else has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Else in?
The original language of Else is French.
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