Cast
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Crew
Director
- Billy Ray Brewton
Writer
- Billy Ray Brewton
Producer
- Cameron West
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Show Yourself presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Billy Ray Brewton 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 character development and emotional depth 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 Show Yourself took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 79 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 330 unique costume pieces for the production.
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 Show Yourself shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, which focuses more on action than character development, Show Yourself subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day - The Movie and The Blair Witch Project explore similar territory, Show Yourself 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: August 20, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 19m
- Budget: $35,000
