Cypher

R

Released Nov 24, 2023

1h 21m

Documentary

Music

Mystery & Thriller

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List

87%

15 Reviews

Tomatometer

80%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

GRAMMY-nominated lyricist and fast-rising star Tierra Whack first gained recognition at the age of 15 when she stunned viewers with her slick poetry while rapping for a YouTube channel on a Philadelphia Street. The video rapidly drew thousands of views and marked the first of Tierra's many performances for the camera. Years later, director Chris Moukarbel begins documenting her astronomical rise, going behind the scenes of concerts and music videos as she navigates fame and receives exalted praise from stars like Erykah Badu. One night, after a particularly tiring set, a seemingly innocuous fan interaction begins a series of increasingly unsettling events that swirl around Tierra and her team -- even following them to Dubai. They soon start questioning who is filming whom and whether being seen (or watched) is a desirable and unavoidable part of fame.

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Sanjay S

A one of a kind thriller. Tierra Whack is a star and her film debut, directed by auteur Chris Moukarbel is a new kind of mystery that will have you questioning everything -- even as it unfolds right in front of your eyes. Illuminating and fun - esp to watch with friends. You'll want to talk about it afterwards.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/06/23

Full Review

Milan C

The less you know the better. Tierra Whack is such an exceptional talent and her team, combined with a great story and visionary director make this a fun, fast-paced watch. Less than 80 minutes!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/27/23

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Chris Moukarbel

Director

Tierra Whack

Self

Chris Moukarbel

Screenwriter

Tony Hernandez

Producer

Lilly Burns

Producer

John Hodges

Producer

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Cypher: Trailer 1

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Christian Zilko

indieWire

Whether you’re a longtime listener or simply a documentary enthusiast seeking a break from the predictable monotony of musician profiles, Cypher is an experience worth seeking out.

Rated: B+

Nov 27, 2023

Full Review

Simon Abrams

RogerEbert.com

I struggled with “Cypher,” not just because of its coy but not so cute magical thinking.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 22, 2023

Full Review

Chris Azzopardi

New York Times

A cunning experiment in cross-genre filmmaking, “Cypher” is all fun, games and hagiography until it’s not, effectively deceiving at every conspiratorial turn.

Nov 22, 2023

Full Review

Julian Lytle

Geek Girl Riot

Cypher was a wonderful way for Tierra Whack to expand her ideas of her work into another medium while also introducing herself to those who might not know her music well.

Rated: B

Dec 4, 2023

Full Review

Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

Its conceptual originality holds the attention, and many viewers will enjoy seeing various hip-hop luminaries “playing” themselves on this slippery slope.

Nov 27, 2023

Full Review

Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

It’s all a cleverly constructed ruse that’s a promotional piece first and foremost, but this playful hybrid experiment drums up some decent suspense and Tierra is an engaging subject.

Nov 24, 2023

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Synopsis

GRAMMY-nominated lyricist and fast-rising star Tierra Whack first gained recognition at the age of 15 when she stunned viewers with her slick poetry while rapping for a YouTube channel on a Philadelphia Street. The video rapidly drew thousands of views and marked the first of Tierra's many performances for the camera. Years later, director Chris Moukarbel begins documenting her astronomical rise, going behind the scenes of concerts and music videos as she navigates fame and receives exalted praise from stars like Erykah Badu. One night, after a particularly tiring set, a seemingly innocuous fan interaction begins a series of increasingly unsettling events that swirl around Tierra and her team -- even following them to Dubai. They soon start questioning who is filming whom and whether being seen (or watched) is a desirable and unavoidable part of fame.

Director: Chris Moukarbel
Producer: John Janick, Steve Berman, Natalia Leigh Brown, Johnny Montina, Kenete Simms, Jake Fuller
Screenwriter: Chris Moukarbel
Distributor: Hulu
Production Co: Permanent Wave, Andscape, Marginal Mediaworks
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Documentary, Music, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 24, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 24, 2023
Runtime: 1h 21m

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