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Mysteria

Mysteria

201198 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 3rd percentile of all films
Director
Lucius C. Kuert
Starring
Robert Miano, Danny Glover, Martin Landau, Billy Zane

A once famous and now a washed-up Hollywood screenwriter fighting to finish his latest script with an unrealistic deadline. He finds himself in the center of a murder investigation involving a prominent politician's wife. The surrounding events feed him inspiration for his script.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Mysteria?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Mysteria on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Reception

Is Mysteria worth watching?

Mysteria's Midcredits score is the 3rd percentile of all films, from 824 ratings across 3 sources. 17% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

3rd percentile

Better received than 3% of films

7th percentile among Action4th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)5th
Approval (how many liked it)5th

40 /100

5th percentile of all films

9th percentile among Action6th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

Approval

How many liked it

17% liked it

5th percentile of all films

10th percentile among Action5th percentile among 2010s
17% rated it 7–1083% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

40th percentile

824 ratings across platforms

26th percentile among Action43rd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 11% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A stylish but muddled neo-noir whose cast and atmosphere are its strongest assets, while the story divides viewers.

Fans praised

  • cast and acting draw you in, with Robert Miano and Michael Rooker singled out
  • strong neo-noir atmosphere and stylish cinematography
  • quirky, nonlinear narrative that becomes compulsively watchable

Detractors panned

  • plot is full of holes and makes little sense
  • slow-moving and boring, with no real payoff
  • acting is bad, especially Danny Glover's whispering

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive70

thick neo-noir tone praised by fans, but detractors find it trying too hard

CinematographyDivisive68

murky, gritty visuals evoke classic noir

ActingDivisive60

divisive: fans praise Miano and Rooker, detractors call it bad

CharactersDivisive50

washed-up writer and noir archetypes, but underdeveloped

DialogueDivisive45

some writers appreciate noir-ish lines, others find them poor

EndingDivisive25

unresolved and divisive, leaving many unsatisfied

PacingDivisive25

slow and meandering, with a few praising quirky rhythm

Plot and storyDivisive20

confusing and full of holes, no clear resolution

Watch experience

What is Mysteria like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you want something serious and affecting.

It takes its time and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want things to move fast or you want every question answered.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its noir material straight but with a self-aware, wry detachment, aiming for a film noir mood despite limited execution.
The rideReviews note a slow start building tension and a better second act, with the mystery climaxing toward the end, though the ending is divisive.
StructureThe synopsis suggests a conventional chronological narrative with a beginning (writer struggling), middle (investigation), and end (resolution or lack thereof).

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe unresolved mystery and ambiguous ending leave the viewer unsettled, with a lingering sense that the clues never fully added up, prompting re-evaluation.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MysteryPuzzle
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% (this title) · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Puzzle: A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).

7% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe screenwriter is drawn into a murder investigation that may expose a political cover-up, with the mystery driving the plot; his personal arc suggests a possible reawakening of his lost talent, fitting rebirth loosely.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Truth · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe washed-up screenwriter searches for his purpose as a writer while becoming embroiled in a murder mystery, seeking redemption for his past and uncovering hidden truths.
StanceThe film questions the protagonist's purpose and the possibility of redemption, centering on his personal journey rather than wider societal critique.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalAmbientForeground music · original score
SettingSeedy Los Angeles apartment and police stations surrounding a political murder investigation
MusicA reviewer noted the soundtrack felt mismatched with the grimy setting.

Content guide

Is Mysteria okay for kids?

Not Rated

Mysteria is not rated. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (100/100), sexual content at intense (67/100), language at intense (67/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at severe (100/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • Germany16
Overall
Severe · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Severe
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Severe
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (5 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Mysteria have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Mysteria?

Cast

Robert Miano
as Aleister
Danny Glover
as Investigator
Martin Landau
as Hotel Manager
Billy Zane
as Producer
Michael Rooker
as Capt. McCarthy
Meadow Williams
as Lavinia
Peter Mark Richman
as Sen. Mitchell
Cassandra Gava
as Rose
Gretchen Becker
as Fairy Woman
Carl Weyant
as Jack

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Mysteria?

Movies like Mysteria include Where the Truth Lies (2005) and Murder, My Sweet (1944), both whodunits.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Mysteria?

1.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: neo-noir. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.