Cast
View AllReece Shearsmith
as Various
Steve Pemberton
as Various
Matthew Fenton
as Young Drew
Eileen Atkins
as Nurse Edwina Kenchington
Alex Waldmann
as Older Drew
Maisie Hopkins
as Cat
Bethany McCann
as Ghost
Billy Holland
as Devil
Josie Walker
as Janet
Dawn French
as Joy Aston
Emily Wachter
as Prospective Buyer
Daniel Kaluuya
as Tealeaf
Julian Bleach
as Doctor/Eddie
Daphne Cheung
as Sue
Nicholas Sidi
as Adrian
Crew
Director
- Matt Lipsey
Writer
- Reece Shearsmith
- Steve Pemberton
Producer
- Justin Davies
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Psychoville Halloween Special presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Matt Lipsey 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 2010, 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 Psychoville Halloween Special took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 48 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 79 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 230 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: October 31, 2010
- Runtime: 48m