Cast
View All
Adrienne Barbeau
as Virtual Narrator (voice)
Cody Longo
as Agent Jae Novak
Cortney Palm
as Agent Toria Boon
Michael Berryman
as Crau
Barbara Crampton
as Dr. Karen Redmane
Sid Haig
as Icicle Killer
Lindsay Hartley
as Balthoria
Kane Hodder
as Sieg
Lloyd Kaufman
as Dr. Chalice
Camille Keaton
as Kristi Boon
R.A. Mihailoff
as Prison Badass Leader
Bill Moseley
as Giger
Bill Oberst Jr.
as Satan Creator
Felissa Rose
as Dr. Angela Freeman
Tony Todd
as The Farmer Asa
Crew
Director
- B. Harrison Smith
Writer
- Gunnar Hansen
- B. Harrison Smith
Producer
- Steven Chase
- Michael Eisenstadt
- Rick Finkelstein
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Action/Crime/Thriller/Fantasy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Death House presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by blending supernatural elements with realistic human reactions.
Director B. Harrison Smith 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 2018, 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 Death House took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1461 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- 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 Death House shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fulltime Killer, which focuses more on action than character development, Death House subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Possessor and The Hills Have Eyes explore similar territory, Death House 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: February 28, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Revenue: $10,615,000
Where to Watch
