Cast
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Crew
Director
- Andy Palmer
Writer
- Rachelle Dimaria
Producer
- Levi Ellsworth
Reviews
Wuchak
“You can checkout anytime you like, but you can never leave”
RELEASED IN 2016 and directed by Andy Palmer, "Badlands of Kain" chronicles events when two young women (Rachelle Dimaria & Katrina Norman) embark on a road trip from Southern California to Flagstaff, but breakdown near Kain, Arizona, where the people are weird.
This is a low budget indie mystery/horror, but it’s professionally made. The plot is a little reminiscent of “Messiah of Evil” (1973) with elements of “Psycho” (1960/1998). It plays like a movie-length Twilight Zone episode, albeit set in the modern day. The story needed tightened up, however; 20 minutes could’ve easily been shaved off the runtime. But I didn’t really mind; the two females kept my attention, especially Katrina Norman. Speaking of which, the creators kept things tasteful with only one tame underwear sequence and no nudity.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 48 minutes and was shot in Lake Isabella, Kernville & Bakersfield, California. WRITER: Rachelle Dimaria, who plays the protagonist, Shannon.
GRADE: B-/C+
Apr 30, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Badlands of Kain presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Andy Palmer 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 Badlands of Kain took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- 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.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
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
Details
- Release Date: April 5, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 48m