Cast
View AllMatthew Scott Montgomery
as Benjamin Caldwell
Alyson Stoner
as Amber
Debby Ryan
as Harley Walker
Greer Grammer
as Diamond Hopkins
Kevin Chamberlin
as Vinnie Mason
Tim Bagley
as Vell Cantrell
Shayne Topp
as Officer Crowley
Damien C. Haas
as Officer Jackson
Adam Faison
as Jack Flash
Kimmy Shields
as Katie
Sterling Sulieman
as Marcus Lockamy
Peter James Smith
as Stefan
Misha Reeves
as Harley's Mom
Grant Jordan
as Chase Mitchell
Nina Millin
as Chelsea Kennedy
Crew
Director
- Allisyn Snyder
Producer
- Charles Barsmian
- Allisyn Snyder
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Howdy, Neighbor! presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Allisyn Snyder 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 pacing and visual storytelling 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 reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Howdy, Neighbor! took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Howdy, Neighbor! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Faces of Death, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Howdy, Neighbor! offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like 72 and Hungerford explore similar territory, Howdy, Neighbor! stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 2, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Budget: $6,000