Cast
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Shane Twerdun
as Jensen
Michael Dickson
as Professor Piers Olsen
Carl Toftfelt
as Francis Månro
Marc Anthony Williams
as Robert Michael Giles
Timothy Lyle
as Drew McNaughton
Steven Bradley
as Steven Wells
Nathaniel Gordon
as Creature (Voice)
Bryce McLaughlin
as Ramis
Kelvin Bonneau
as Navaron
Cameron Tremblay
as Station 9 (voice)
Andrew Moxham
as Dr. Richard Andervs
Crew
Director
- Nick Szostakiwskyj
Writer
- Nick Szostakiwskyj
Producer
- Nick Szostakiwskyj
- Cameron Tremblay
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Black Mountain Side presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Nick Szostakiwskyj 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 reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Black Mountain Side took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 126 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Black Mountain Side shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cube, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Black Mountain Side offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Tough Enough and The Day After Tomorrow explore similar territory, Black Mountain Side stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 26, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 39m
Where to Watch
