Cell (2016) Review

When discussing films that adapt the works of Stephen King, Cell (2016) often flies under the radar. Directed by Tod Williams and based on King's 2006 novel of the same name, the movie attempts to capture the author's chilling vision of a world where a mysterious signal broadcast over the global cell phone network turns the majority of humanity into mindless, violent creatures. With its intriguing premise, Cell promises a mix of horror and science fiction, but how well does it translate on screen?

Plot Summary

Cell kicks off with a seemingly ordinary day at an airport, where we meet Clay Riddell, played by John Cusack. Clay, a graphic novelist, is on the phone with his estranged wife when the world suddenly descends into chaos. A mysterious signal transmitted through cell phones causes people to lose their minds, turning them into savage killers. The story follows Clay as he teams up with Tom McCourt, played by Samuel L. Jackson, and Alice Maxwell, portrayed by Isabelle Fuhrman, on a harrowing journey through a devastated landscape to find his family and uncover the origins of the deadly signal.

Performances

John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, both no strangers to the horror and thriller genres, lead the cast with solid performances. Cusack's portrayal of Clay Riddell is filled with a sense of urgency and determination. He effectively conveys the desperation of a man who has lost everything but remains driven by the hope of reuniting with his family. Jackson, as Tom McCourt, brings his usual charisma to the role, providing a grounded and relatable presence amidst the chaos. His chemistry with Cusack adds depth to their shared scenes, making their characters' alliance believable.

Isabelle Fuhrman, known for her role in Orphan, brings a youthful yet resilient energy to the character of Alice Maxwell. Despite the film's shortcomings, her performance stands out as she navigates the dangers of this new world alongside her more experienced companions. The supporting cast, while not as prominent, contributes to the film's tension and atmosphere, with some memorable moments that highlight the horrors of the situation.

Direction and Craft

Tod Williams, who previously directed Paranormal Activity 2, takes the helm of this adaptation. While the film struggles with pacing issues and occasionally uneven storytelling, Williams manages to instill a sense of dread throughout. The film's opening scene at the airport is particularly effective, capturing the sudden and terrifying shift from normalcy to chaos. The use of practical effects and makeup to portray the "phoners"—the people affected by the signal—adds a gritty realism to the horror.

The cinematography by Michael Simmonds captures the bleakness of the post-apocalyptic setting, often using wide shots to emphasize the desolation of the world Clay and his companions must navigate. The film's score, composed by Marcelo Zarvos, complements the visuals with a memorable quality that underscores the tension and unease present throughout the narrative.

However, the film does suffer from some narrative flaws. The script, adapted by Stephen King himself alongside Adam Alleca, sometimes struggles to balance the complexity of the novel with the constraints of a feature film. Certain plot elements feel underdeveloped, which might leave viewers unfamiliar with the source material confused about the motivations and origins of the signal.

Collector's Verdict

For collectors, Cell (2016) is a film that may warrant a place on your shelf, especially if you have a penchant for Stephen King adaptations or enjoy exploring various takes on apocalyptic scenarios. The Blu-ray release offers the best viewing experience, with its high-definition picture and sound enhancing the film's atmospheric qualities. Given its common availability, you won't have a hard time finding a copy at a reasonable price.

The film's rarity rating is common, meaning it's relatively easy to acquire. While it may not be the crown jewel of Stephen King adaptations, it provides a unique interpretation of a technology-driven apocalypse that can be a conversation starter among fans of the genre.

With its mix of horror, action, and a hint of science fiction, Cell offers an engaging, if imperfect, experience. It may not stand out as one of the greatest, but it has enough intriguing elements to make it worth a watch for collectors who appreciate the nuances of adapting a complex novel to film.

3 out of 5 stars