Cast
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Crew
Director
- Lachlan Duncan-Brooke
Writer
- Lachlan Duncan-Brooke
Reviews
Lachy_Doo
Following the bizarre events that occurred over a weekend trip, 'Smokehouse' displays the organic comedic conversations and reactions to these events which captures the group’s individual personalities. Undertaken as a summer project, the director departs from his usual "locked-off" style swapping it for a much looser style of shooting. This is especially noticeable in the last act of the film. 'Smokehouse' is a fun and ridiculous look into the lives it captures.
Sep 2, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Documentary/Comedy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Smokehouse presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lachlan Duncan-Brooke 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 critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Smokehouse took approximately 17 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 24 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 57 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
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 Smokehouse shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Endless, which focuses more on action than character development, Smokehouse subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Rage: Carrie 2 and The Bucket List explore similar territory, Smokehouse 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: September 4, 2023
- Runtime: 24m
- Budget: $100
