4.9
Where can I stream The Mesmerist legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Mesmerist
2002·Movie
The Mesmerist fingerprint
Funny, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension5
- Scare3
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Emotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Melancholy5
- Wonder5
Humor
Plenty of dark humor and situational comedy
- Dark Humor8
- Situational Comedy6
- Absurdist Humor6
World
Family and the mind
- Dialogue Centrality7
- World Immersion6
- Novelty6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Dialogue Quality7
- Character Depth7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Visual Stylization6
- Editing5
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
The Mesmerist is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
It keeps its emotions at a distance. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
HighPlenty of dark humor and situational comedy
Expect plenty of dark humor and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor8Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor6Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity8Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche7Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
MediumFamily and the mind
Its world is built around family and the mind.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Fantasy6Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Historical6Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction5Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing5Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Pastiche7Playful imitation of styles.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Based on an Edgar Allan Poe story, this film tells the grimly comic tale of a bad-tempered old man (Howard Hesseman) who cheats death, only to go on tormenting the living. When a medical experiment leaves the grouch hovering between life and death (and able to describe the world beyond), things get tricky for his daughter (Jessica Capshaw) and her beau (Neil Patrick Harris, of "Doogie Howser, M.D." fame), who can't get their hands on his estate.
Dark ComedyGothic Horror-ComedyEdgar Allan Poe AdaptationSupernaturalFamily ConflictPost-Mortem TormentMorbid HumorEstate BattleUnsettling
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Mesmerist
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Mesmerist worth watching?
31
BadGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 32/100 (IMDb 4.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Mesmerist rated?
Disturbing imagery
Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The Mesmerist?
1 h 35 min
The Mesmerist runs 1 h 35 min.
What language is The Mesmerist in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Mesmerist?
2
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Mesmerist in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.