Backdrop preview The Removals backdrop
The Removals

The Removals (2016)

May 17, 2016 1h 3m

Part-thriller, part-nightmarish examination of the widening gap between originality and technology, The Removals imagines where we go from here. A secretive, nefarious agency seeks to control the culture. They do this by covertly staging reproductions of everyday events, and by so doing, undermining the moment’s originality and currency. Society is then left to puzzle over what might be real, and what is fake. The agency employs symbols—like the fascists, like imperial powers of the past—notably a red cone, to plant their flag upon the moment. Two agents, Kathryn and Mason, exhausted by the toll each removal has taken from them, quietly, and then overtly, set out to undermine the agency. Haunting, engaging, and with a ferocity of vision that calls to mind the cerebral thrillers of Shane Carruth, David Lynch, or Andrei Tarkovsky, Nicholas Rombes’s directorial debut is a spellbinding new work and apt analogy for the wormhole where modern social communication leads.

Directed by Nicholas Rombes

Cast

View All
Milly Sanders
View Profile
Milly Sanders

as Kathryn

View Profile
Jeff Wood

as Mason

View Profile
Joe Justus

as Bronson

View Profile
Scott McClanahan

as The Accountant

Andrew Sensenig
View Profile
Andrew Sensenig

as Casey

Crew

Director
  • Nicholas Rombes

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

The Removals represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Nicholas Rombes 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 The Removals took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 63 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2016, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: May 17, 2016
  • Runtime: 1h 3m

Where to Watch

fuboTV

Similar Movies