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We Have Always Lived in the Castle

We Have Always Lived in the Castle (2019)

May 17, 2019 1h 36m Mystery Thriller

In Shirleyville, Vermont, during the sixties, sisters Merricat and Constance, along with their ailing uncle Julian, confined to a wheelchair, live isolated in a big mansion located on the hill overlooking the town, tormented by the memories of a family tragedy occurred six years ago. The arrival of cousin Charles will threaten the fragile equilibrium of their minds, haunted by madness, fear and superstition.

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Directed by Stacie Passon

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Stacie Passon
Producer
  • Jared Ian Goldman
  • Robert Mitas

Reviews

portnoyz
5/10

Just watched this & have no idea what was going on or what is was about. Must be for people who have read the book.

Sep 14, 2019

Gimly
5/10

I genuinely like all four of the core cast members of _We Have Always Lived in the Castle_ especially Daddario, and they're all good in this, and there are a couple of scenes here with genuine tension, but the reality is that by the end of movie, I'd spent half of the runtime straight-up bored.

_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._

Dec 18, 2019

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Thematic Analysis

We Have Always Lived in the Castle represents a fascinating example of Mystery/Thriller 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 Stacie Passon 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 2019, 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 We Have Always Lived in the Castle took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 2102 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • 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

While We Have Always Lived in the Castle shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Our Man in Havana, which focuses more on action than character development, We Have Always Lived in the Castle offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Impact and The Puppet Masters explore similar territory, We Have Always Lived in the Castle 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: May 17, 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 36m

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
Peacock Premium
AMC+ Amazon Channel
AMC+
Philo
Shudder
Shudder Amazon Channel
Shudder Apple TV Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Peacock Premium Plus

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