Cast
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Alison Sweeney
as Hannah Swensen
Cameron Mathison
as Detective Mike Kingston
Barbara Niven
as Delores Swensen
Tess Atkins
as Michelle Swensen
Mike Dopud
as Sheriff Ron Ealing
Lisa Durupt
as Andrea Todd
Juliana Wimbles
as Lisa
Oliver Rice
as Bradford Ramsay
Briana Buckmaster
as Johanna Grimes
James Pizzinato
as Jed Sawyer
Kendra Anderson
as Rhonda Scharf
Natalie Skye
as Karen
Doralynn Mui
as Alice
Jason Deline
as Clint Abrams
Scott Fee
as Ken Purvis
Crew
Director
- Shannon Kohli
Writer
- Marcy Holland
Producer
- Kevin Leslie
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Zest For Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Shannon Kohli brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Zest For Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Zest For Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Lolita, which focuses more on action than character development, A Zest For Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Rosemary's Baby and The Omen explore similar territory, A Zest For Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 6, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch
