The Cell (2000)
Into the artistic subconscious of a serial killer.
Presentation:
This film really messed me up as a kid. It was one of those incomprehensible movies you curiously pop into the VHS player and get scarred for life. Grabbing the stills for Tarem Singh’s art house serial killer film was a joy, and in 2026, I found the experience even more enjoyable. I can’t recall any other art house film blending with the detective serial killer genre, but its synergy makes so much sense to me now. Like all of the Indian director’s films, the visuals speak for themselves - dreamy, surreal, and unforgettable. The performances are weak in comparison to the avant-garde imagery with Jennifer Lopez’s acting sticking out like a sore thumb.
Conclusion:
Great art direction, dismal acting, I still enjoyed this movie. It’s always nerve wracking watching a nostalgic film. Sometimes the memory is better than the movie and you run the risk of ruining that preservation of childhood fondness. Luckily I could appreciate its mature tones even more while still being unaffected by its Hollywood flair. I don’t think this film has much substance, but I still really like it. A cult film that lodges into your memory.
Recommendations
So slow, you’ll be begging this assassin to kill you…