Cast
View AllEwan McGregor
as Jasper Black
Michelle Williams
as Young Mother
Matthew Macfadyen
as Terrance
Nicholas Gleaves
as Lenny
Sidney Johnston
as The Boy
Usman Khokhar
as The Bomber's Son
Sasha Behar
as The Bomber's Wife
Ed Hughes
as Danny Walsh
Alibe Parsons
as Pearl
Stewart Wright
as Charlie
Nicholas Courtney
as Archbishop of Canterbury
Paul Blackwell
as Stadium Survivor
Crew
Director
- Sharon Maguire
Writer
- Sharon Maguire
Producer
- Adrienne Maguire
- Andy Paterson
- Anand Tucker
- Kami Naghdi
- Maurice Allen
- Rebby Gregg
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Incendiary examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Sharon Maguire 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, 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 Incendiary took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $10.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 113 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1982 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Incendiary shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Music Box, which focuses more on action than character development, Incendiary offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like In the Wake and Ladies in Lavender explore similar territory, Incendiary 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: January 20, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Budget: $10,000,000
Where to Watch




