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Horror thriller

Spell (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Spell (2020) movie poster

Spell is a 2020 horror thriller directed by Mark Tonderai, starring Omari Hardwick as Marquis T. Woods, Loretta Devine and John Beasley. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes and earned $500,104 worldwide. Critics gave it 50% on Rotten Tomatoes and 38 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10.

IMDb rating
5.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
50%
worldwide gross
$500.1K
Echo Score
62
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Spell (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m (91 min)
Director
Mark Tonderai
Genres
Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Spell About?

The premise of Spell without spoilers.

Stranded in rural Appalachia after a storm forces his plane down, Marquis finds himself wounded and trapped in the eerie attic of Ms. Eloise. As he desperately tries to escape her grasp, he uncovers a disturbing secret: she's using his flesh to conjure the Boogity, a terrifying Hoodoo figure seemingly imbued with a life of its own. He must find a way to stop her before he becomes the final ingredient in her dark ritual.

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

Omari Hardwick leads the cast as Marquis T. Woods, with Loretta Devine as Eloise and John Beasley as Earl. Directed by Mark Tonderai; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Spell

· 6 more
Ratings

Spell Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Spell 50% on Rotten Tomatoes and 38 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 62/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in story & flow (50).

62 /100

Spell Echo Score Breakdown

Spell delivers a set of commendable performances and visual moments, though the narrative often feels predictable and uneven. The acting is frequently praised for its depth and representation, yet the pacing and plot coherence receive consistent criticism from critics and viewers. Visual style and sound design generate occasional tension, but abrupt editing and uneven effects undermine immersion. These strengths and weaknesses result in a film that provides moments of engagement but struggles to maintain suspense throughout its runtime.

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 direction, cinematography, and editing quality, Spell presents a mixed visual experience. Some critics and viewers admire the atmospheric camera work and measured pacing, while others note abrupt cuts and uneven visual effects that disrupt the narrative flow. Production design captures the rural setting convincingly, yet inconsistent editing choices sometimes hinder suspense. Overall, the film’s visual craftsmanship shows competent elements but lacks cohesion in its execution.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to acting, character depth, and emotional resonance, Spell benefits from strong performances. Multiple reviewers praise the lead actors for delivering nuanced portrayals that add depth to otherwise standard roles, and the all-Black ensemble brings notable chemistry and cultural authenticity. However, some characters remain underwritten with one-note motivations that limit audience empathy. In sum, the cast’s strengths elevate the emotional core even as certain figures lack sufficient development.

  • Story & Flow 50

    In terms of plot coherence, pacing, originality, and engagement, Spell exhibits uneven narrative progress. The premise attracts interest, but predictable twists, thin plotting, and a contrived climax lead many viewers and critics to find the story generic. While the opening act establishes a foreboding atmosphere and measured pacing, the lack of mystery and abrupt resolutions undermine sustained suspense. Overall, the narrative offers intriguing elements but ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and compelling storyline.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    When considering score, sound design, and visual style, Spell generates sporadic atmospheric tension. The film’s soundscape and chilling ambient cues contribute to moments of discomfort, and the rural setting is captured through effective visual contrasts. However, inconsistent special effects and occasional audio imbalance draw attention to production flaws. While some sequences deliver pronounced creepiness, the overall sensory presentation lacks steady cohesion for sustained immersion.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    In terms of replay value, enjoyment on subsequent viewings, and lasting appeal, Spell presents a moderate rewatch potential. Some viewers appreciate the cultural perspective and occasional suspenseful sequences that invite a second viewing, while others find the predictability and uneven pacing diminish long-term interest. Although strong performances and select memorable moments hold appeal, the film’s structural shortcomings limit its ability to reward repeat viewings fully.

Box office

Spell Box Office

Spell grossed $500,104 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$500.1K

US & Canada
$500.1K
Videos

Spell Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Spell.

SPELL | Official Trailer [HD] | Paramount Movies
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

Seen Spell?

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 31 minutes (91 minutes).

When was Spell released?

Spell was released on October 30, 2020.

Who directed Spell?

Spell was directed by Mark Tonderai.

More films by Mark Tonderai

Who is in the cast of Spell?

Spell stars Omari Hardwick as Marquis T. Woods, Loretta Devine as Eloise and John Beasley as Earl, 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, 38 on Metacritic and 65% on TMDB.

Does Spell have a post-credit scene?

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

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