Cast
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Russell Hodgkinson
as Seth Guardrail Slaughter
Julian Gavilanes
as James Hunter
Kiki Yeung
as Fairy
Richard Cranor
as Ranger Dave
Tyler Trerise
as Tim Weaver
Shelby Truax
as Martha
Svetlana Soutirina
as Queen Cheeba
Robert Leeshock
as Gas Mask Man
Aleena Ober
as Feral Woman / Female Squatter 2
Dylan Thome
as Taliban Soldier
Kevin Jolly
as Taliban Leader
Crew
Director
- Richard Cranor
Writer
- Richard Cranor
Producer
- Kristina Rogers
- James Itokazu
- Hugh Berry
- Richard Cranor
- Kiki Yeung
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. Star Leaf presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Richard Cranor 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 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 Star Leaf took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 77 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 36 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- 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 Star Leaf shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Gattaca, which focuses more on action than character development, Star Leaf subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Silent Running and Forbidden Planet explore similar territory, Star Leaf 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: June 6, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 17m
Where to Watch
