Cast
View All
Rebecca Forsythe
as Kira Mabon
Lucie Aron
as Sophia Demeraux
Barbara Crampton
as Dr. Rafaela Crober
Sean Knopp
as Jonas Swierczynski
Adnan Maral
as Dr. Czerny
Agnes Kiyomi Decker
as Dr. Assistant
J. David Hinze
as Detective Loomis
Teresa Gluck
as Dr. Assistant
Daniel Holzberg
as E.M.T.
Matthias Beier
as Security Guard #1
Laura Cuenca Serrano
as Waitress
Felix von Poser
as Officer Myers
Lea Urban
as Marla (Trendy Woman #1)
Geneviève Boehmer
as Trendy Woman #2
Julia Mauracher
as Bathtub Woman
Crew
Director
- Norbert Keil
Writer
- Norbert Keil
- Richard Stanley
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Replace presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Norbert Keil 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 2017, 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 Replace took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Replace shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike eXistenZ, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Replace subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Fly and The Fly II explore similar territory, Replace stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 2, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 41m
Where to Watch
