Cast
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Ali Larter
as Madison
Arjun Gupta
as Nikolai
Chloe Perrin
as Haley
Joe Egender
as Carl
Patrick Fischler
as Austin
Wilmer Calderon
as Miguel
Tom Wright
as Curtis (as Thomas Wright)
Merrin Dungey
as Mrs. Wallace
Max Rose
as Jacob
Kurt Carley
as The Prisoner
Laura Margolis
as Marcy
Mark Steger
as Dr. Herbert
Trey Holland
as Nestor
Andrew Varenhorst
as Faceless Figure
Tiffany Nahm
as Bloodied Laundry Man
Crew
Director
- Alistair Legrand
Writer
- Alistair Legrand
- Luke Harvis
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. The Diabolical presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Alistair Legrand 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 The Diabolical took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 47 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Diabolical shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike An American Werewolf in London, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Diabolical subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea explore similar territory, The Diabolical 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: March 16, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 26m
Where to Watch
