Cast
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Justin Meeks
as Claude 'Sweet Tooth' Barbee
Paul McCarthy-Boyington
as 'Slap' Jack Davis
Gregory Kelly
as Frank 'Blockey' Jackson
Deon Lucas
as Goody Spotswood
Bridger Zadina
as Willie Carson
Larry Grant Harbin
as Tom Nixon
Arianne Martin
as Pearl Nava
Luce Rains
as Sheriff Everheart
Timothy McKinney
as Deputy Marshall Peak
Edwin Neal
as Bargsley
Michael Berryman
as Dr. Pepperdine
Pepe Serna
as Rudy Goebel
Gayland Williams
as Ivy Goebel
Sonny Carl Davis
as Bert
Tina Rodriguez
as Phoebe
Crew
Director
- Duane Graves
- Justin Meeks
Writer
- Duane Graves
- Justin Meeks
Producer
- Marcus Cox
- Karrie Cox
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Western/Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Kill or Be Killed presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Duane Graves 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 Kill or Be Killed took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- 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 Kill or Be Killed shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kill, which focuses more on action than character development, Kill or Be Killed offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Young Guns II and Carry On Cowboy explore similar territory, Kill or Be Killed stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 1, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 43m
