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The Cipher

By: Brett Neichin, Janina Matthewson
Narrated by: Anya Cholatra, Chance Perdomo, Enzo Cilenti, George Takei, Olivia Popica, Hera Hilmar, Samuel Adewunmi, full cast, Nabil Elouahabi
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Publisher's summary

The hit hopepunk sci-fi thriller starring Anya Chalotra and Chance Perdomo.

When the cryptic Parallax puzzle appears online, it quickly becomes the world's most talked-about conundrum. A complex, multi-level cipher, it has the brightest minds on the planet baffled: but who created it, and why?

Sixteen-year-old Sabrina is obsessed with cracking it - but when she does, she discovers it isn't a game. Caught up in a sinister global conspiracy, she becomes involved with a mysterious international task force, and is recruited to hunt down a serial killer who may not be from this world.

Joined by geeky New Yorker Benny, the second solver of the Parallax, Sabrina embarks on a dangerous journey that turns her world upside down and sees her questioning her past, her parentage, and everything she's ever known....

A fast-moving, heart-stopping story about finding yourself while finding a killer, this blockbuster drama combines edge-of-your-seat storytelling and powerful sound design to create a totally immersive experience. And for those who want to dig deeper, there are also several 'Easter eggs' scattered within the story, in the form of puzzles and pop culture references planted by writer Brett Neichin. A must-listen for fans of Doctor Who, Stranger Things and The OA, The Cipher stars Anya Cholatra (The Witcher) as Sabrina and Chance Perdomo (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Benny, with a stellar cast including Enzo Cilenti (Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell), Hera Hilmar (Mortal Engines), Olivia Popica (Tyrant), Samuel Adewunmi (The Last Tree) and George Takei (Star Trek).

NB: Contains very strong language and violent scenes

Production credits
Produced by Emma Hearn
Director and Executive Producer: John Scott Dryden
Commissioning Editor: Jason Phipps
Commissioning Producers: Rachel Simpson, Ella Woods and Eli Sessions
Written and created by Brett Neichin with additional writing by Janina Matthewson
Script editing by Mike Walker
Music by Benbrick and Mark Henry Phillips
Editing & Sound Design by Steve Bond
Sound Assistant: Makashe Ogbon
Assistant Producer: Eleanor Mein
Trails by Jack Soper
Recorded at Sonica Studios, London
A Goldhawk Production for BBC Sounds

Cast
Sabrina - Anya Chalotra
Benny - Chance Perdomo
Harry - Enzo Cilenti
Isabella - Hera Hilmar
Mr Ahmed - Nabil Elouahabi
Dr Usman - Cyril Nri
Efrat - Olivia Popica
Lucy - Molly Harris
Janitor/Ken - Akie Kotabe
Fergus - Samuel Adewunmi
Ian - Kerry Shale
Sara - Nina Yndis
Katrin/Diane Trumbo - Clare Corbett
Lucy Rabbit - Molly Harris
Quentin - Carl Prekopp
Vincent - Dave McRae
Lynn - Leanne Best
Dr Aoki - George Takei
Japanese Girl - Chloe Okada-Howells

Other parts played by Stephen Mitchell, Philip Desmeules, George Georgiou, Ayeesha Menon, John Scott Dryden, Hugo Dryden

First broadcast BBC Sounds, 26-29 December 2020

©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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Critic reviews

"Pulse-pounding, breathtaking...like an HBO mini-series for the ear." (LA Weekly)

What listeners say about The Cipher

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  • Overall
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Great so far.

Definitely interesting story, Waiting for the continuation. Audio was good, as well. Cast was great as well as the audio/sound. Don’t make us wait to long for the rest!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great listen!

This was interesting and I recognized the lead female characters voice from The Witcher on Netflix!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exciting, fast paced and interesting story

I loved the story and the production made it even better. The characters are played by top notch actors. Can’t wait till the next season.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Kept My Attention

Loved this one! Very sci fi! Kept my attention and I really enjoyed it. I happen they make another season.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Fun read, one too many twists

I had a good time overall. It was exciting but sometimes felt jarring and hard to follow. There were odd twists happening all the time and the setting constantly changing. And there was this really painful high pitched noise that kept playing throughout the whole thing. I’ll take an action packed sci-fi over most other genres any day, this just wasn’t my favorite one. Still fun to listen to.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating and full of suspense

I absolutely loved this series! It kept you guessing the entire time. It was turn after turn and the story line just kept getting deeper. It felt very cyber punk which I enjoyed. There has to be more to this story and hope to hear a part 2. I also came to this one after listen to Young Blood which was good but with the greater!

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Wow. Must listen.

This is a great story, black mirror style, super captivating and thrilling, with great performances. I recently discovered Brett Neichin through Young Blood, and the Cipher is even better. If you are a dystopian novel and sci-fi fan, you'll love this binge-able podcast series.

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Gripping storyline and great twists

Amazing story with mystery and a great science fiction storyline! Relevant and intriguing with a great plot twist!

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Hope they continue this!

Well done!

I really hope the story continues. So many plot lines to unfold. Good job.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing

Great story, I can’t wait for the next season ! It keeps you really entertained! Amazing !

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