Cast
View All
Jeremy Childs
as Victor
Shelean Newman
as Mary
Shannon Hoppe
as Claire
David Alford
as Richard
Isaac Disney
as Ethan
Olivia Lyle
as Elizabeth
Jake Speck
as James
Emily Landham
as Laura
John Schuck
as Sydney
Joshua Childs
as David
Piper Hoppe
as Rachael
Anna Garges
as Rebecca
Flint Adam
as News Anchor
Sydney Bell
as Protester
Karen B. Greer
as Protestor
Crew
Director
- Billy Senese
Writer
- Billy Senese
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Science Fiction/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Closer to God presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Billy Senese 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 2014, 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 Closer to God took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 103 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 57 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Closer to God shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, which focuses more on action than character development, Closer to God offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Austin Powers in Goldmember and Multiplicity explore similar territory, Closer to God 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: July 25, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 21m
Where to Watch
