Cast
View AllAlison Sweeney
as Hannah Swensen
Cameron Mathison
as Detective Mike Kingston
Barbara Niven
as Delores Swensen
Gabriel Hogan
as Norman Rhodes
Tess Atkins
as Michelle Swensen
Mike Dopud
as Sheriff Ron Ealing
Danny Wattley
as Eugene Crenshaw
Gabrielle Miller
as Julianne Carlson
Juliana Wimbles
as Lisa Herman
Julia Benson
as Diana Graves
Doug Abrahams
as Travis Gardner
Blair Penner
as Joe Gardner
Daylin Willis
as Deputy Lonny Erskine
Roger Haskett
as Locksmith
Arthur Sève
as Jerry McDowell
Crew
Director
- Pat Williams
Writer
- Melissa Salmons
Producer
- Kevin Leslie
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery represents a fascinating example of TV Movie/Mystery cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Pat Williams 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 Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery took approximately 12 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 123 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 334 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Carrot Cake Murder: 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 Murder Is Easy, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Untitled The Batman Sequel and Ejen Ali: The Movie 2 explore similar territory, Carrot Cake Murder: 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 bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 19, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch



