The Mesmerist (2002): cast, story & where to watch
2002 · Film · ★ 4
Released in 2002, The Mesmerist is a horror film directed by Gil Cates Jr., running about 95 minutes.
What it’s 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.
Who’s in it. The Mesmerist stars Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Capshaw, Jason Carter and Howard Hesseman, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 4.0/10, The Mesmerist has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Shout! Factory Amazon Channel and rent or buy it from Apple TV Store. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Mesmerist page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Mesmerist tend to enjoy Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, The Shining and Alien.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Mesmerist (2002)?
- In US, The Mesmerist is available to stream on Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, and rent or buy from Apple TV Store. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Mesmerist worth watching?
- The Mesmerist holds an audience score of 4.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy horror. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Mesmerist?
- The Mesmerist stars Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Capshaw, Jason Carter, Howard Hesseman and Jo Champa.