Cast
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Kane Hodder
as Striper
R.A. Mihailoff
as R.A. Mihailoff
Bill Moseley
as Soggy Christian
Dane Rhodes
as Randy
Malcolm Danare
as Malcolm Danare
Don Shanks
as Don Shanks
Rachel Alana Handler
as Chunks
Amy Brassette
as Agness
Ritchie Montgomery
as Mountain Man
Michael Berryman
as Michael Berryman
Andrew Bowen
as Carl
John Schneider
as Player
Aiden Flowers
as Kid
Shanna Forrestall
as Trixie
Jeff Galpin
as Freaky
Crew
Director
- John Schneider
Writer
- John Schneider
Producer
- Doug Blake
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Smothered presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John Schneider 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 2016, 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 Smothered took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2067 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2016, 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 Smothered shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Lolita, which focuses more on action than character development, Smothered offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Roman Holiday and Rosemary's Baby explore similar territory, Smothered 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 29, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 36m
