The Cello

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The Cello

R

Released Dec 8, 2023

2h 0m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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2 Reviews

50%

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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.

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

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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

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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

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debbie s

Awful, was all over the place to try to follow, awful

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

12/15/23

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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

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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

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Darren Bousman

Director

Jeremy Irons

Francesco

Tobin Bell

Vincent

Samer Ismail

Nasser

Elham Ali

Alia

Mila Al Zahrani

Sara

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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