Cast
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Angelu de Leon
as Carly
Bobby Andrews
as Jude
Rica Peralejo
as Mariel
Onemig Bondoc
as Eddie Boy
Red Sternberg
as Rico
Michael Flores
as Spanky
Lee Robin Salazar
as Benjie
Raven Villanueva
as Lorraine
Berting Labra
as Mang Uro
Idelle Martinez
as Linda
Danny 'Brownie' Punzalan
as Ugong
Michael Gomez
as Erning
Amanda Page
as Dalisay
Marjorie Barretto
as Manananggal
Jessa Zaragoza
as Lady in Forest
Crew
Director
- Mark A. Reyes
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Are You Afraid of the Dark? presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Mark A. Reyes 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 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Are You Afraid of the Dark? took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 372 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 48 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Are You Afraid of the Dark? shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, which focuses more on action than character development, Are You Afraid of the Dark? offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Carfucker and Lisa and the Devil explore similar territory, Are You Afraid of the Dark? stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: May 21, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 43m
