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The Cello

Play trailer Poster for The Cello R Released Dec 8, 2023 2h 0m Horror Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 2 Reviews 50% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Like many musicians, accomplished Saudi cellist Nasser (Samer Ismail) has aspirations for greatness, though he feels like he's held back by the old, dilapidated instrument he’s forced to play. When Nasser is offered the chance to take possession of a gorgeous red cello by a mysterious shop owner (Tobin Bell), he finds new inspiration both for his playing and for his composing. What Nasser doesn't realize is that this cello has a nefarious past. As he prepares for an important audition with a prominent philharmonic, that past shows itself in the form of an ancient conductor (Jeremy Irons) and the suffering and death of those close to him. Nasser must now decide if achieving his dreams is worth the horror that comes with playing such a perfect instrument.

Critics Reviews

View All (2) Critics Reviews
Avi Offer NYC Movie Guru Despite clunkiness, uneven pacing and not enough room left for interpretation, The Cello is a suspenseful, creepy and exhilarating ride. Dec 13, 2023 Full Review Sarah Musnicky Creepy Kingdom The performances from the cast, made all the better by Bousman’s direction, and the promise shown in Al Alshikh’s writing show that while in its infancy, Saudi Arabian horror can easily connect with an international audience. Rated: 3/5 Dec 8, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Conall RT A competent supernatural horror flick from the Middle East that might not hit every note (namely those of bloodshed and runtime) but still delivers a fiercely engaging story of obsession, passion, and demonic instruments. Plus, any chance to see Darren Lynn Bousman and Tobin Bell reunite is a chance Ill gladly take! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/08/23 Full Review Sietel G What seems slow pacing for some is a delicious cumulative dread for myself. Horror is such a reliable genre - while classical music in Saudi Arabia is not something I'm familiar with, this film taps into relatable fears efficiently! Recommended. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/24/23 Full Review debbie s Awful, was all over the place to try to follow, awful Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 12/15/23 Full Review Amanda T Just saw this in theaters, really liked it. Super creepy and amazing visuals. So happy I saw it on the big screen! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/14/23 Full Review Dave A Great suspense and cool new imagery which gives the haunted item genre (like ANNABELLE, THE CONJURING) a new creepy twist. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/14/23 Full Review David T I'm a fan of Darren Bousman films and this one might be his finest yet. Unique scares, cool visuals and Jeremy Irons and Tobin Bell at their best! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Cello

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Movie Info

Synopsis Like many musicians, accomplished Saudi cellist Nasser (Samer Ismail) has aspirations for greatness, though he feels like he's held back by the old, dilapidated instrument he’s forced to play. When Nasser is offered the chance to take possession of a gorgeous red cello by a mysterious shop owner (Tobin Bell), he finds new inspiration both for his playing and for his composing. What Nasser doesn't realize is that this cello has a nefarious past. As he prepares for an important audition with a prominent philharmonic, that past shows itself in the form of an ancient conductor (Jeremy Irons) and the suffering and death of those close to him. Nasser must now decide if achieving his dreams is worth the horror that comes with playing such a perfect instrument.
Director
Darren Bousman
Producer
Lee Nelson
Screenwriter
Turki Al Alshikh
Distributor
Destiny Entertainment
Production Co
Alamiya, Rozam Media, Envision Media Arts
Rating
R
Genre
Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
Arabic
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 8, 2023, Limited
Runtime
2h 0m