Cast
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Jenna Berman
as Emma Zeiden
Kevin Doree
as Orderly Harrison
Barb Mitchell
as Katherine Strogue
Lorette Clow
as Dr. Carroway
Anne Hawthorne
as Mrs. Lancaster
Rohan Campbell
as Farley Mason
Greg Lawson
as Jack Strogue
John Dylan Louie
as Customer
Jonah K Anderson
as Demon
Jasmine Berg
as Holly Whelkin
Don Bland
as White Coat Man
Olivia Duke
as Young Emma
Brian Gromoff
as Reverend
Rob Hay
as Mr. Lancaster
Kash Hill
as Adam Lancaster
Crew
Director
- Neal Edelstein
Writer
- Andrew Klavan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Dark Hearts presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Neal Edelstein 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 Dark Hearts took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 180 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 214 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 953 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2014, 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
Details
- Release Date: November 20, 2014
- Runtime: 3h