Cast
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Olivia Williams
as Meg
Matthew Modine
as Alec
Antonia Clarke
as Penny
Steve Oram
as Nigel Lean
Adam Thomas Wright
as Harper
Richard Dillane
as Greg
Rebecca Calder
as Isabella
Jonathan Jaynes
as Sean Donnelly
David Peel
as Telephone Engineer
Stephen Chance
as Charles Kendrick Walker
Mark Heenehan
as Brad Mason
Howard Lee
as Frank
Crew
Director
- Nick Willing
Writer
- Nick Willing
Producer
- Michele Camarda
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Mystery/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Altar presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Nick Willing 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 2014, 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 Altar took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 44 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2014, 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 Altar shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Haunting Inside, which focuses more on action than character development, Altar offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Haunting of La Llorona and Ghost Train explore similar territory, Altar 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: December 27, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 35m
