Spellbound
Performance & Direction: Spellbound Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Spellbound (1945) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Spellbound features a noteworthy lineup led by Ingrid Bergman . Supported by the likes of Gregory Peck and Leo G. Carroll , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Spellbound
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1945, Spellbound is a Thriller, Mystery, Romance film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ingrid Bergman.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. When Dr. Anthony Edwardes arrives at a Vermont mental hospital to replace the outgoing hospital director, Dr. Constance Peterson, a psychoanalyst, discovers Edwardes is actually an impostor. The man confesses that the real Dr. Edwardes is dead and fears he may have killed him, but cannot recall anything. Dr. Peterson, however is convinced his impostor is innocent of the man's murder, and joins him on a quest to unravel his amnesia through psychoanalysis. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside Ingrid Bergman. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Ingrid Bergman's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Ending Explained: Spellbound
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Spellbound resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Ingrid Bergman, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Spellbound reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Spellbound?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ingrid Bergman or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: Spellbound
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $7.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Spellbound Budget
The estimated production budget for Spellbound is $1.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Spellbound
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Where to Watch Spellbound Online?
Streaming HubSpellbound Parents Guide & Age Rating
1945 AdvisoryWondering about Spellbound age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Spellbound is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, Spellbound is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1945 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spellbound worth watching?
Spellbound is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Spellbound parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Spellbound identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Spellbound?
The total duration of Spellbound is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.
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Critic Reviews for Spellbound
This intriguing little crime/thriller from the great Alfred Hitchcock isn't half bad. It's a more unusual Hitch effort, but the story has plenty of twists and turns to keep interest. Ingrid plays a kindhearted psychologist who falls in love with the new doctor at the asylum where she's working, but he may not be all that he seems. I'm sorry, Ms. Bergman; it looks like you've fallen in love with a psycho.
When Leo G. Carroll ("Dr. Murchison") steps down as director of the "Green Manors" - a centre for psychoanalysis, he is replaced by Gregory Peck ("Dr. Edwardes") who immediately attracts the attention - romantic and professional - of Ingrid Bergman ("Dr. Petersen") who quickly discovers that he has quite a secret. Together they must work speedily to unravel a mystery of memory and murder before the authorities come to their own conclusions. This isn't my favourite Hitchcock thriller - Peck hasn't quite got the charisma or intensity the part required and though Bergman is beautiful; she is still just a little too stilted, unnatural even. The plot, however is complex and intriguing dealing with a traditional crime-noir subject in a far more cerebral manner. Miklós Rósza's Oscar winning score adds much of the menace to this and the pace smoulders nicely to a suitably thoughtful conclusion. I know Peck was David O. Selznick's golden boy at this point, but I cannot help but think he let's the thing down a bit; perhaps Hitch should have cast a more characterful lead? Great stuff, nonetheless though - certainly worth a watch.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
