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Drama thriller

Spell (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Spell (2019) movie poster

Spell is a 2019 drama thriller directed by Brendan Walter, starring Tom Wright as Edmund, Barak Hardley and Jackie Tohn. It runs 1 hour 27 minutes and earned $500,104 worldwide. Critics gave it 50% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10.

IMDb rating
5.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
50%
worldwide gross
$500.1K
Echo Score
53
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Spell (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 27m (87 min)
Director
Brendan Walter
Genres
Drama , Thriller , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Spell About?

The premise of Spell without spoilers.

Marquis finds himself ensnared by the manipulative power of Eloise, a skilled rootworker practicing Hoodoo. As a significant Voodoo ritual approaches, he’s forced to confront a hidden past and face unsettling forces to escape her control. He must unravel the secrets behind her influence before it's too late.

Spell Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • nurse
  • supernatural horror
  • boogity doll
  • railroad spike in foot
  • vomiting
  • cannibalism
  • human bones
  • digging a grave
  • grave
  • cessna
  • airplane crash
  • loss of hand
+38 more
  • gas station
  • outhouse
  • corrupt police officer
  • ceremony
  • blind man
  • man with bad heart
  • mute
  • locked in room
  • lawyer
  • black lawyer
  • west virginia
  • appalachian folk culture
  • elderly couple
  • singing on airplane
  • airstrip
  • man wears shorts
  • gas station attendant
  • reference to steph curry
  • camera shot from inside a toilet
  • private plane
  • small town sheriff
  • picking a lock
  • hoodoo
  • heavy rain
  • rooftop
  • forced cannibalism
  • foot wound
  • faith healing
  • faith healer
  • female faith healer
  • talking bird
  • profanity
  • telling someone to shut up
  • one word title
  • running through the woods
  • running through woods at night
  • plane wreck
  • cabin in the woods
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Cast & crew

Spell Cast & Characters

Tom Wright leads the cast as Edmund, with Barak Hardley as Benny and Jackie Tohn as Jess. Directed by Brendan Walter; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Spell Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Spell 50% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 53/100, strongest in art & craft (65) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).

53 /100

Spell Echo Score Breakdown

Spell delivers a modest balance of atmospheric style and uneven narrative that positions it as a mixed entry in the horror genre. While several critics and viewers note moments of visual interest and solid performances, the film’s reliance on familiar tropes and a predictable structure limits its impact. The pacing through its second half and a contrived conclusion further dilute its thematic ambitions. Although certain set pieces evoke tension, the film ultimately falls short of sustaining a memorable or distinctive experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of art and craft, the film offers occasional stylistic flair through measured framing and a humid atmosphere but lacks consistency in visual cohesion. Critics and viewers note commendable camera work in select scenes and a grounded production design that supports the setting. However, abrupt editing transitions and mixed special effects undermine the intended immersion, resulting in a notably uneven artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    In terms of character and emotion, the performances form the film’s primary strength, with lead actors delivering nuanced portrayals that inject moments of genuine intensity. Observers highlight Omari Hardwick’s committed presence and Loretta Divine’s scene-stealing energy as anchors for the material. Yet underwritten supporting roles and a lack of deeper backstories temper emotional investment. Overall, character work provides intermittent depth but stops short of fully sustained resonance.

  • Story & Flow 50

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative presents a familiar supernatural framework but struggles with coherence and originality. Several critiques point to a predictable trajectory and abrupt pacing, particularly in the finale, which undercuts mounting suspense. While moments of metaphysical pathos and regional variation offer intrigue, the reliance on genre conventions and thin plotting diminish overall engagement. Ultimately, the story’s uneven structure limits its capacity to sustain tension.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    In terms of sensory experience, the film cultivates a dense soundscape and a moody visual palate that evoke rural menace effectively. The humid atmosphere and ambient score support key horror beats, and selective sound design moments heighten discomfort. However, inconsistent special effects quality and occasional visual disjunction dilute this impact. Overall, the sensory elements contribute a tangible sense of unease despite uneven technical execution.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s sporadic suspense and performance highlights may prompt interest on a second viewing, particularly for genre enthusiasts. Observers note that specific set pieces and thematic motifs yield modest appeal. However, repetitive story elements and a routine conclusion reduce incentives for repeat engagement. Overall, the enduring charm is limited to isolated moments rather than a sustained return-viewing experience.

Box office

Spell Box Office

Spell grossed $500,104 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$500.1K

US & Canada
$500.1K
Videos

Spell Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

SPELL - Official Trailer HD - Crush Pictures
  • Behind the Scenes SPELL - Behind The Score with Patrick Stump & Barak Hardley
Cars

Cars in Spell

2 cars on screen: the 1995 Chevrolet Blazer and the 1960 Humber Hawk Series II.

  • 1995 Chevrolet Blazer in Spell 1995 Chevrolet Blazer Important role
  • 1960 Humber Hawk Series II in Spell 1960 Humber Hawk Series II Background role
Details

Spell Also Known As

23 alternative titles, including “Kouzlo” and “Feitiço”.

Also known as
  • Kouzlo
  • Feitiço
  • อาถรรพ์มนตรา
  • Sortilège
  • 스펠
  • Заклинание
  • El hechizo
  • Rontás
  • تعويذة
  • Znamení voodoo
  • 索命咒
  • Užkeikimas
+11 more
  • 魔咒
  • Urok
  • Burvestība
  • Maleficio
  • Büyü
  • Bùa Chú
  • כישוף
  • スペル
  • Заклинання
  • O Feitiço
  • जादुई शिकंजा

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FAQ

Spell FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Spell?

Spell runs 1 hour 27 minutes (87 minutes).

When was Spell released?

Spell was released on November 1, 2019.

Who directed Spell?

Spell was directed by Brendan Walter.

More films by Brendan Walter

Who is in the cast of Spell?

Spell stars Tom Wright as Edmund, Barak Hardley as Benny and Jackie Tohn as Jess, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Spell make at the box office?

Spell grossed $500,104 worldwide.

How is Spell rated?

Spell has 5.5/10 on IMDb, 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63 on Metacritic and 48% on TMDB.

Does Spell have a post-credit scene?

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

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