Spell (I) (2018) User Reviews

Its decent

[afelic1016 · 6/10 · 14 December 2020]

This movie is pretty decent. Its entertaining and oddly humorous at some parts. Its definitely not predictable but I felt like the last 30 mins of the movie was clunky and jumbled. Overall its worth the watch but I was disappointed with the ending.

Icelandic Blair Witch Project

[sfargo-2 · 7/10 · 9 March 2021]

Which I hated by the way due to the shaky camera. But I thought this one was captivating and interesting. I especially liked that it was different from your typical film. It focused on an apparently flawed protagonist and his even more flawed fiance, who was wonderful in some ways too. Perhaps that was about our true selves conflicting with the roles of modern society? Anyway, conflict ensues. (why am I in iceland? what is there to do here? why not go off with some stranger associated with the people who may have robbed me last night? what could happen?) Maybe it's a bit like Date Night. Anyway, I loved the ambiguity of the message and the apparent dilemna of the hero. Did he win or lose? Is he happy or sad? And what is the big deal about waterfalls?

Intriguing Movie

[coleco2000 · 6/10 · 22 October 2020]

This is one of those movies that is a bit raw in that it comes across as low budget but with a captivating plot that keeps your interest. As Benny confronts his loss and flaws he submits to more in hope of answers. And this is one point of bewilderment for me as a viewer in attempting to understand the ultimate outcome in my own mind. This has led me to internet research that has proved fruitless in clarifying what the movie achieved, and therefore rating it at first 5 starts, but then 6 when it certainly has kept me thinking about it and wondering if I missed something in trying to understand it. I will leave it there since a conclusion to what this movie was really about is, well, uncertain but entertaining.

Decent film, good story

[dustinh-76726 · 7/10 · 3 March 2020]

I wouldn't put this on the MUST SEE list but if you have some extra time and are looking for a decent film, this one won't disappoint you. The story is enjoyable and the acting is decent.

I'm not picky but I don't spend much time on a movie if the first half hour or so isn't entertaining or engaging. This movie will definitely keep you interested.

an American in Iceland

[Kirpianuscus · 24 February 2021]

Maybe , it is just a good film. For me, it is only one with too manyopened doors and windows. Sure, ambiguity can be a good thing . But in this case, the end gives something not being exactly dissapointment but a sort of bad news. You hope have the fair final, the reasonable answer to an American in Iceland , to the ball of mythology, mourning, travel, dark humor. But... Sure, it is a decent , provocative in some measure, film. But...

Good film - worth watching

[silencecs · 7/10 · 31 October 2020]

IF you've ever visited Iceland, this movie will bring back memories while engaging you in a compelling story. Manages to get a few laughs, too.

In search of a lost lover

[imursel · 6/10 · 6 April 2019]

Acting: 7 Story: 7 Production values: 5 Suspence - thriller level: 6 Action: none Mystery - unknown: 9 Romance level: 8 Film noir ~ neo noir density: 6 Comedy elements: 5 Overall: 6

B = MC Squared

[gab-67599 · 7/10 · 6 May 2021]

This movie was funny and a bit sad. It had no real ending, and you never found out if he really had powers. The main character was great all by himself he carried the weight of this movie. I would love to see him in another movie, along side more entertaining actors. This movie was laid back but not to slow that it would put you to sleep. So yeah, if you have time and nothing better to do I would recommend it. Just don't expect magic, literally and figuratively speaking.

Had potential but not that great.

[deloudelouvain · 5/10 · 3 April 2021]

The good thing about this movie is that it had y attention for almost the entire movie. The unfolding of the story is intriguing, and makes you want to know what's going to happen, but the ending wasn't very satisfying, at least not to me. Too open and unexplained for me. The acting was certainly not bad, and that from the whole cast. Nice landscapes shots also, too bad the story is not really delivering in the end. I guess it's worth a watch, but it's not a keeper.

Cheated by the ending

[johnpmoseley · 7/10 · 10 March 2022]

An absolute case study in how an ending can make or break a movie. Everything else is so good here, and then it basically throws it all away. All in a meds withdrawal psychosis? OK, it's not quite 'all in a dream,' but close enough and, if anything, it feels worse. You're going to kill off this guy, who, meds withdrawal or no, has been through a genuine arc? At the start he's a 'stupid American' who doesn't want to go out into nature unless it's to bunjee jump or hang-glide, and he turns into a mystic traveller coming to terms with his OCD and the death of his wife - and then you want to tell us that was all nothing? It's not fair, damnit! It's the writers not playing fair on themselves, their character or us.

Poorly ending

[frednorman-13727 · 5/10 · 2 July 2021]

I love any movie about Iceland. And while there were good parts to this movie- The dialogue with his dead girlfriend about her addiction problems- I thought the ending was a cop out.

Yep, the 9 other positive reviews are right, watch it..

[OneSentenceReview · 8/10 · 19 March 2021]

..as it will simply grab you with good pace, good actors, good humor and suspense. Dont read too much upfront, as you want the story to unravel.

Then read all reviews in full afterwards.

And, you might even be intrigued and want to know more about islandig magic and folklore, that's what I will do.

Certainly a special film; not perfect, but rarely anything like that around. Meant in a good way :)

What spell?

[andrewscate · 2/10 · 13 June 2022]

Didnt enjoy this film i felt the american was abused and manipulated because he had a noticeable diagnosed mental illness. I just felt it was a cringe film suggesting friends and the way a group can organise abuse and take advantage of outsider vulnerability. The Icelanders killed him. Why were they at the hot springs ready to use modern medicine to help their man? That wasnt magic! Even though America represents nastiness, and lack of care for others, did this one man deserve what happened? The waterfall in buddhism is a metaphor as well as practice for emptying , clearing clutter and busyness, did he need that as an ending without renewed or attempting a beginning?

It's clear he needed assistance beyond a screw driver to clear his head...

Finally a good film

[singers-35810 · 10/10 · 26 October 2020]

This might not be the best film for everyone, but it spoke to me, I felt as though I might have written it If I were in that line of business. It was raw and seemed to clearly show the product of people who understand mental illness and addiction. By far, the most impressive part was that it ends exactly as it should have. There was no disappointment, no wasted time watching. I simply don't have enough good things to say about this.

Fun for everyone!

[m_winship · 8/10 · 10 October 2020]

All my friends into Viking magic and runes, will be entertained by this new movie on Amazon Prime. Its about the ugly American traveling in Iceland, learning about its history and religious superstitions. Its transforming and enlightening as you travail the journey with him through the books of ancient Eddas. The knowledge he gains is really about himself as many magical events unfold. Pax, enjoy, and tell me what you think? Murf