Cast
View AllElectra Avellan
as Sonya
Maika Monroe
as Joan
Vincent Ventresca
as James
Michelle DeVito
as EMT Raines
Christopher Matthew Cook
as Rudy
Tyler Forrest
as Paul
Mike Kimmel
as Principal Smith
Brian Oerly
as Joe
Michael Papajohn
as Sheriff Flemings
Dane Rhodes
as Burke
Jackie Tuttle
as Chasity
Ricky Wayne
as Deputy Baldridge
Boni Yanagisawa
as Yin
Crew
Director
- Robert Grasmere
Writer
- Silvero Gouris
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Fantasy/Horror/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Flying Monkeys presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Robert Grasmere 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 2013, 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 Flying Monkeys took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 67 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- 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 Flying Monkeys shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Covenant, which focuses more on action than character development, Flying Monkeys offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Omen and Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic explore similar territory, Flying Monkeys 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: March 9, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 25m