Cell

Watch Cell

"When everyone is connected no one is safe."
  • R
  • 2016
  • 1 hr 38 min
  • 4.4  (30,309)
  • 38

Cell is an apocalyptic horror film that was released in 2016. The movie is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Stephen King. The film features an ensemble cast that includes John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, and Isabelle Fuhrman. The story of Cell revolves around a mysterious signal that originates from cell phones. Once the signal is transmitted, it turns all those who hear it into savage, blood-thirsty beasts. The movie follows the journey of Clay Riddell (John Cusack), a graphic novel artist from Boston. Clay is separated from his family when the signal is transmitted, and he must traverse a dangerous and violent landscape to find his son and wife.

The movie offers a unique take on the zombie genre, imagining the undead in a post-apocalyptic world that is not caused by a virus or radioactive fallout, but by a technological signal that infects people's minds. There is a deeper significance to the technology in the film as it's implied that it represents the negative effects of excessive screen time and technology addiction.

The opening scenes of the movie are quite graphic, and this foreshadows the level of violence that permeates the rest of the film. The sudden outbreak results in a chaotic landscape full of explosions, gunfire, and ferocious beasts that make it clear that this is not a world for the faint-hearted. The filmmakers have created a tense and intense atmosphere that conveys the terror of sudden, unexpected destruction.

John Cusack's portrayal of Clay Riddell is convincing and engaging. Clay is not a typical hero in that he is not a military man, a police officer, or a survivalist. He is an ordinary person caught up in extraordinary circumstances who must navigate an unfamiliar world to find his family. Cusack's performance highlights the character's vulnerability and determination with nuance and depth.

Samuel L. Jackson's character, Tom McCourt, adds a dynamic element to the film. McCourt is a working-class man from Maine who is also trying to reunite with his family. He joins Clay on his journey, and the two eventually team up with other survivors, including Alice (played by Isabelle Fuhrman), a teenage girl who is smarter and more resourceful than her years imply. The chemistry between the three main actors is excellent, and they work well together to create a believable sense of camaraderie and mutual trust.

Cell is not without its flaws, however. The pacing of the film can be uneven, and some scenes can feel too long or too rushed. The third act of the film, in particular, feels rushed and mildly unsatisfying. The climax could have been delivered with more finesse, but instead, it feels abrupt and incomplete.

Overall, Cell is an entertaining horror film that offers viewers something different from the typical zombie fare. The unique concept and strong ensemble acting make it worth watching, and Stephen King fans will likely find the adaptation faithful to the source material. While the movie may not be a masterpiece, it is a solid and enjoyable addition to the horror genre.

Cell is a 2016 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4 and a MetaScore of 38.

Cell
Description
Where to Watch Cell
Cell is available to watch free on Plex, The Roku Channel Free, Pluto TV and Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Cell for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2016
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 38 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    4.4  (30,309)
  • Metascore
    38