Cast
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Chase Williamson
as Jonah
Justin Welborn
as Mr. Nyx
Hannah Fierman
as Lily
Michael Aaron Milligan
as Mac
Hayes Mercure
as Rand
Randy McDowell
as Elliott
Lindsey Garrett
as Eva
Stephen Caudill
as Sheriff Boone
William Mark McCullough
as The Addict
Krystal Badia
as Cllisto
Preston James Hillier
as Officer Collins
Monica Ollander
as Amy
Crew
Director
- Gregg Bishop
Writer
- Ben Collins
- Luke Piotrowski
Producer
- Gary Binkow
- Jude S. Walko
- Brad Miska
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Siren presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Gregg Bishop 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 Siren took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.3 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 111 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- 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 Siren shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Thursday, which focuses more on action than character development, Siren offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Underwater and Godzilla explore similar territory, Siren 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 2, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 22m
- Budget: $300,000
Where to Watch
