Cast
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Peter Ferdinando
as Michael
Stephen Graham
as David Knight
Neil Maskell
as Martin
Elisa Lasowski
as Ariana
MyAnna Buring
as Lisa
Richard Dormer
as Nick Taylor
Tony Pitts
as Keith
Thomas Craig
as Harrison
Gordon Brown
as Chris
Orli Shuka
as Nikolla Kabashi
Gjevat Kelmendi
as Rezar Kabashi
Lorenzo Camporese
as John Noonan
Shaban Arifi
as Spartak
Mem Ferda
as Akif Dikman
Juliet Oldfield
as Tina
Crew
Director
- Gerard Johnson
Producer
- Elizabeth Karlsen
- Joanna Laurie
- Stephen Woolley
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Hyena 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 Gerard Johnson 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 2015, 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 Hyena took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 112 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2199 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2015, 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 Hyena 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 Funeral, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Hyena offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Street Mobster and King of the Ants explore similar territory, Hyena stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: March 6, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 52m
Where to Watch
