The Mesmerist Poster

The Mesmerist 2002

★ 2.52 votes95 min📅 2002-03-11

Dive into the darkly comedic horror of *The Mesmerist (2002)*, directed by Gil Cates Jr., where Edgar Allan Poe's eerie spirit meets a modern retelling.

Director: Gil Cates Jr.

Cast

Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris
Benjamin
Jessica Capshaw
Jessica Capshaw
Daisy Valdemar
Jason Carter
Jason Carter
Dr. Pretory
Howard Hesseman
Howard Hesseman
Mr. Valdemar
Jo Champa
Jo Champa
Consuela
George Wyner
George Wyner
Dr. Hoffler
Michael A. Goorjian
Michael A. Goorjian
Coroner #1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Mesmerist (2002) about?

*The Mesmerist* reimagines Edgar Allan Poe's gothic sensibilities in a modern horror-comedy. A stubborn, elderly man survives a risky medical experiment but refuses to leave this world, using his newfound metaphysical knowledge to haunt his family and thwart their inheritance plans. His daughter and her skeptical boyfriend must find a way to outwit him before his supernatural mischief escalates.

Who directed The Mesmerist?

The film was directed by Gil Cates Jr., known for his work in television and genre films.

Who stars in The Mesmerist?

The cast features Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Capshaw, Howard Hesseman, Jason Carter, Jo Champa, and George Wyner.

Is The Mesmerist (2002) worth watching?

If you enjoy horror-comedies with a Poe-inspired twist, *The Mesmerist* delivers quirky charm and atmospheric tension. While not a blockbuster, Harris and Capshaw's performances add depth, making it a cult curiosity for fans of offbeat horror. It's a short, punchy film that lingers in the mind—just don't expect mainstream scares.

How long is The Mesmerist?

The runtime of *The Mesmerist* is 95 minutes.

About The Mesmerist (2002) — Horror Film with Edgar Allan Poe Twist

Dive into the darkly comedic horror of *The Mesmerist (2002)*, directed by Gil Cates Jr., where Edgar Allan Poe's eerie spirit meets a modern retelling. The film follows a cantankerous old man (Howard Hesseman) who, after a medical experiment leaves him teetering between life and death, gains unsettling insight into the afterlife—only to continue tormenting the living. His estranged daughter (Jessica Capshaw) and her determined fiancé (Neil Patrick Harris) scramble to secure his estate before his newfound abilities spiral out of control.

This macabre dark comedy blends Poe's classic themes of mortality and vengeance with a 2002 twist, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where greed and supernatural meddling collide. Harris, fresh off *Doogie Howser, M.D.*, delivers a sharp performance, while the film's unsettling premise lingers long after the credits roll.