Cast
View All
Kacey Rohl
as Abigail
Jordan Burtchett
as Thomas
Mary Black
as Gertrude
Gwynyth Walsh
as Margaret
Alec Willows
as Samuel
Chris Britton
as Edward
Meghan Gardiner
as Evelyn
Todd Thomson
as George
David Bloom
as The Mean Piano Teacher
Josh Hallem
as The Postman
Kristina Hampton
as Background Performer - Woman in Town
Crew
Director
- Shannon Kohli
Writer
- Shannon Kohli
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Horror/Romance film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. A Family of Ghosts presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Shannon Kohli 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 2016, 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 A Family of Ghosts took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 15 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 71 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1999 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 294 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Family of Ghosts shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Premalu, which focuses more on action than character development, A Family of Ghosts offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Private Lives of Pippa Lee and Failure to Launch explore similar territory, A Family of Ghosts 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: February 27, 2016
- Runtime: 15m
