Cast
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Caleb Landry Jones
as Syd March
Sarah Gadon
as Hannah Geist
Malcolm McDowell
as Dr. Abendroth
Joe Pingue
as Arvid
Sheila McCarthy
as Dev Harvey
Douglas Smith
as Edward Porris
Wendy Crewson
as Mira Tesser
Nicholas Campbell
as Dorian
James Cade
as Levine
Dawn Greenhalgh
as Jane
Lara Jean Chorostecki
as Michelle
Salvatore Antonio
as Topp
Elitsa Bako
as Vera
Reid Morgan
as Derek Lessing
Nenna Abuwa
as Aria Noble
Crew
Director
- Brandon Cronenberg
Writer
- Brandon Cronenberg
Producer
- Niv Fichman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Science Fiction/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Antiviral presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Brandon Cronenberg 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 2012, 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 Antiviral took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 159 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Antiviral shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Strange Days, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Antiviral subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Trip to the Moon and Videodrome explore similar territory, Antiviral 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: September 19, 2012
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Budget: $2,400,000
Where to Watch
