The Cello (2023 film)
A cellist's instrument brings supernatural chaos.
The Cello, a 2023 horror film from Saudi Arabia, was directed by Darren Lynn Bousman and written by Turki Al-Sheikh, who adapted it from his own novel. The cast includes Jeremy Irons, Samer Ismail, Elham Ali, Souad Abdullah, Tobin Bell, and Muhannad Al Hamdi. Its plot centers on a cellist whose career ambitions take a dark turn after he comes into possession of a malevolent cello that causes chaos in his life.
Filming took place over more than 100 days, wrapping in October 2021, with locations in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vienna, Prague, and Iceland. Lee Nelson produced the project. In February 2023, while still in post-production, Bousman told Bloody Disgusting that the film had been a challenge to complete, noting that the Arabic-language dialogue required extensive ADR and translation work, which delayed its release.
The film premiered at Boulevard Riyadh City on September 8, 2023, and opened in the United Arab Emirates on September 14, 2023, earning $5,314 there. It later reached 288 U.S. screens via Destiny Media Entertainment on December 8, 2023.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Darren Lynn Bousman
- Producer
- Lee Nelson
- Based On
- Cello · Turki Al Alshikh
- Writer
- Turki Al-Sheikh
- Starring
- Jeremy Irons · Samer Ismail · Elham Ali · Souad Abdullah · Tobin Bell · Muhannad Al Hamdi
- Music
- Joseph Bishara
- Cinematography
- Maxime Alexandre
- Editing
- Harvey Rosenstock · Zeborah Tidwell
- Studio
- Alamiya · Envision Media Arts
- Distributor
- Rozam Media
- Released
- 8 September 2023 · The Boulevard · 2023 · 9 · 14 · United Arab Emirates
- Country
- Saudi Arabia
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Production for The Cello took place in late 2021, with principal photography completing in October 2021 after more than 100 days of filming in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vienna, Prague, and Iceland. The film is based on Turki Al-Sheikh's novel of the same name, who also wrote the script. Darren Lynn Bousman was hired to direct with Lee Nelson producing. In February 2023, as the film entered post-production, Bousman told horror news website Bloody Disgusting that the movie had been a beast to finish, noting that since the film was shot primarily in Arabic, mixing, ADR, and translation took longer than expected.
Reader's Guide
The Cello represents a notable entry in Saudi Arabian horror cinema, being based on a novel by Turki Al-Sheikh and directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, known for his work in the Saw franchise. The film's international production spanned multiple countries and its release strategy included a world premiere in Boulevard Riyadh City on September 8, 2023, followed by a release in the United Arab Emirates on September 14, 2023, where it grossed $5,314. It was later released onto 288 theater screens in the United States by Destiny Media Entertainment on December 8, 2023. The film's significance lies in its cross-cultural collaboration and its role in expanding Saudi Arabia's film industry, though its critical and commercial impact remains modest.
Did You Know?
- Principal photography took over 100 days and was completed in October 2021.
- Filming locations included Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vienna, Prague, and Iceland.
- The film was shot primarily in Arabic, requiring extensive ADR and translation work.
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