Spell (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 31m (91 min)
- Director
- Mark Tonderai
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Paramount Players
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- 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
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.
- Director Mark Tonderai
-
Omari Hardwick as Marquis T. Woods -
Loretta Devine as Eloise -
John Beasley as Earl -
Tumisho Masha as Sheriff
Also Starring in Spell
· 6 more- Andre Jacobs Wyman Thatcher
- Peter Butler Dr. Holt
- Lorraine Burroughs Veora Woods
- Hannah Gonera Samsara Woods
- Kalifa Burton Tydon Woods
- Ri-Karlo Handy Marquis's Father
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).
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.
-
IMDb 5.5 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 50% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 54%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 38 Metascore
User score 6.0
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 65% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.7 /5
4 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.7 /5
See on Movie Insider
Spell Box Office
Spell grossed $500,104 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$500.1K
- US & Canada
- $500.1K
Spell Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Spell.
Cars in Spell
2 cars on screen: the 1995 Chevrolet Blazer and the 1960 Humber Hawk Series II.
-
1995 Chevrolet Blazer Important role -
1960 Humber Hawk Series II Background role
Seen Spell?
Movies Like Spell
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Spell, Spellbinder and The Spell.
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.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
