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Documentary

Spiral (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Spiral (2018) movie poster

Spiral is a 2018 documentary directed by Laura Fairrie, starring Dieudonné and Richard Spencer. It runs 1 hour 19 minutes and earned $8,190 worldwide. Critics gave it 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10.

IMDb rating
5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
77%
worldwide gross
$8.2K
Echo Score
64
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Spiral (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 19m (79 min)
Director
Laura Fairrie
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Spiral About?

The premise of Spiral without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Amidst rising anti-Semitic attacks across France and Europe, this documentary examines the complex factors contributing to a disturbing surge in intolerance. It explores the lives of people affected by the escalating violence and prejudice, delving into the social and political tensions that fuel this resurgence of hatred and fear, and the impact it has on the region's social fabric.

Spiral Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • same sex couple
  • gay
  • cult
  • neighbor
  • small town
  • targeted by a cult
  • interracial homosexual
  • murder of a lesbian
  • interracial gay couple
  • gay couple
  • gay couple raising a child
  • husband husband gay relationship
+38 more
  • gay relationship
  • gay husband cheating on gay husband
  • gay kiss
  • teenage girl
  • gay bashing
  • minority
  • gay dad
  • openly gay
  • gay writer
  • gay parent
  • homosexual slur
  • satanic cult
  • gay murder
  • gay slur
  • decriminalizing homosexuality
  • possible gaslighting
  • paranoia
  • interracial couple
  • homosexual relationship
  • homosexual couple
  • father daughter relationship
  • caught cheating on husband
  • new neighbor
  • working late
  • writer
  • conservative man
  • political message
  • stepfather stepdaughter relationship
  • cannibalism
  • footage
  • found footage
  • gay character
  • lgbt horror
  • race
  • violence against a lgbt person
  • decriminalization of homosexuality
  • lgbt parenting
  • lgbtq parenting
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Cast & crew

Spiral Cast

Dieudonné leads the cast, with Richard Spencer. Directed by Laura Fairrie.

From the director

More from Laura Fairrie

One more film directed by Laura Fairrie: Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story.

Full filmography
Ratings

Spiral Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Spiral 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 64/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (45).

64 /100

Spiral Echo Score Breakdown

The overall reception is mixed due to strong visual style and effective scares offset by an uneven narrative structure. Many reviewers praised the cinematography and tension-building techniques, yet criticized the film’s narrative focus and thematic clarity. Performances, especially from Bowyer-Chapman, were noted as a highlight, though character development remained somewhat shallow in places. While sensory elements deliver genuine moments of suspense, the inconsistent storytelling limits engagement. Overall, the film presents striking moments but falls short in narrative cohesion.

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

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of direction and cinematography, the film excels with an understated color palette and composed visuals that exceed its budget. Reviews highlight elegant framing and cohesive production design, emphasizing visual scale. Editing choices support tension, though pacing fluctuates at times. Overall, the strong aesthetic presentation elevates the film’s mood and scope.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    In terms of character and emotion, the lead performance stands out with a nuanced portrayal that anchors the narrative. Observers note effective emotional beats around themes of prejudice and identity, while chemistry in key scenes supports viewer investment. However, some secondary figures lack depth, and the emotional arcs occasionally feel underdeveloped. Overall, character moments resonate unevenly.

  • Story & Flow 45

    When it comes to story and flow, the film presents a multi-strand narrative that aims to personalize its themes but often feels unfocused. Many critics point to uneven pacing and a lack of contextual depth, which undermines engagement. Attempts at symbolism introduce ambiguity rather than clarity. In sum, the plot structure delivers few compelling insights and hinders sustained investment.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, the tension-building techniques and well-calibrated scares create genuine moments of unease. Fake-outs are timed effectively, and the sound design supports jump moments without relying on excessive gore. The soundtrack underlines suspense with subtle cues, enhancing immersion. Overall, the film’s sensory elements cohere to deliver a consistently tense atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    When evaluating rewatch factor, the film’s strong visual moments and select scares may reward a second viewing. However, the narrative’s lack of coherence and underdeveloped threads reduce motivation for subsequent viewings. While standout scenes offer occasional insight upon rewatch, the overall structural weaknesses limit enduring appeal. In conclusion, replay value is modest rather than substantial.

Plot

Spiral Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Spiral from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the 1980s, a poignant moment unfolds as two young boys share a kiss in the back of a car, only to be abruptly interrupted by another vehicle approaching. Fast forward to the present day, where Aaron and Malik, along with their daughter Kayla, move into a new home. As they cross a bridge, a strange event occurs when something resembling a bird collides with their windshield, leaving a mysterious spiral mark.

Full summary

The whole story of Spiral, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Spiral Box Office

Spiral grossed $8,190 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$8.2K

US & Canada
$8.2K
Videos

Spiral Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

Spiral - Official Trailer [HD] | A Shudder Original
  • Teaser
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Spiral?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What unusual event occurs when Aaron, Malik, and Kayla are crossing a bridge?

Details

Spiral Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “Spiral - Das Ritual” and “死亡怪圈”.

Also known as
  • Spiral - Das Ritual
  • 死亡怪圈
  • Espiral
  • Voyeurs
  • Spirála
  • Spirala
  • Örvényben
  • Spiral - Kauhun kierre
  • Spiralė
  • 스파이럴
  • Spiral: Das Ritual
  • Спираль

Seen Spiral?

FAQ

Spiral FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Spiral?

Spiral runs 1 hour 19 minutes (79 minutes).

When was Spiral released?

Spiral was released on June 22, 2018.

Who directed Spiral?

Spiral was directed by Laura Fairrie.

More films by Laura Fairrie

Who is in the cast of Spiral?

Spiral stars Dieudonné and Richard Spencer.

How much did Spiral make at the box office?

Spiral grossed $8,190 worldwide.

How is Spiral rated?

Spiral has 5.4/10 on IMDb, 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, 48 on Metacritic and 58% on TMDB.

Does Spiral have a post-credit scene?

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

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