Cast
View AllGary Busey
as Grady Barnes
Ian D. Clark
as Colonel Graham
Ty Wood
as Roy Slattery
Diana Reis
as Mary Barnes
Kathryn Albertson
as Jen
Jessica Burleson
as Eleanor
Sarah Constible
as Deputy Sharon Weinman
Kristen Harris
as Kathy Kurick
Aaron Hughes
as Sergeant Howe
Adriana O'Neil
as Mayor's Mistress
Aleks Paunovic
as Sergeant Winshiser
Evelyne Anderson
as Betty
Mike Bell
as Phil Hedge
Mariam Bernstein
as Mrs. Willet
Marina Stephenson Kerr
as Rose Satterly
Crew
Director
- Gary Yates
Writer
- Philip Morton
Producer
- Phyllis Laing
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Action/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Maneater presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Gary Yates 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 2007, 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 Maneater took approximately 30 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 124 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 68 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2007, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Maneater shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dante's Peak, which focuses more on action than character development, Maneater subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Lake Placid and Phantoms explore similar territory, Maneater stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: July 23, 2007
- Runtime: 1h 28m
Where to Watch



