Cast
View All
AnnaSophia Robb
as Kit
Uma Thurman
as Madame Duret
Isabelle Fuhrman
as Izzy
Victoria Moroles
as Veronica
Noah Silver
as Jules
Taylor Russell
as Ashley
Rosie Day
as Sierra
Rebecca Front
as Miss Orlonsky
Jodhi May
as Heather Sinclair
Pip Torrens
as Professor Farley
Kirsty Mitchell
as Ginny
Jim Sturgeon
as Dave
David Elliot
as Robert Gordon
Julia Stressen-Reuter
as Young Kit
Josep Linuesa
as Wilhelm Kestler
Crew
Director
- Rodrigo Cortés
Writer
- Chris Sparling
- Michael Goldbach
Producer
- Stephenie Meyer
- Meghan Hibbett
- Wyck Godfrey
- Adrián Guerra
- Marty Bowen
Reviews
Wuchak
**_Ghostly happenings at a creepy manor with AnnaSophia Robb and Uma Thurman_**
A troubled teen (AnnaSophia) is sent to Blackwood Boarding School in Upstate New York where she and a handful of other difficult girls are coached by the mysterious headmistress (Uma) and her staff to be productive members of society. It doesn’t take long for the teens to discern something eerie is going on.
Based on the 1974 book by Lois Duncan, "Down a Dark Hall" (2018) is stylish Gothic mystery/horror with the milieu of the seminal "The House That Screamed" from five decades prior. Fans of that film and later ones, such as "Lust for a Vampire," "Picnic at Hanging Rock," "Suspiria," "The Woods" and “The Moth Diaries,” should appreciate this. There are also elements of “The Fog” remake from 2005.
The first 50 minutes are rather uneventful, but they’re just a set-up to the lively last act. Winsome AnnaSophia is an effective protagonist and it’s good to see Uma again.
The movie runs 1 hour, 36 minutes, and was shot in late 2016 in Barcelona on the northeastern coast of Spain, as well as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, which is also Spain.
GRADE: B-
Oct 31, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery/Thriller/Fantasy/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Down a Dark Hall presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Rodrigo Cortés 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 2018, 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 Down a Dark Hall took approximately 5 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 135 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 133 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- 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
While Down a Dark Hall shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The House and The White String, which focuses more on action than character development, Down a Dark Hall subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Visitant and The Double Life of Véronique explore similar territory, Down a Dark Hall 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 1, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Revenue: $2,707,199
Where to Watch
