Cast
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Freddie Highmore
as Charlie Brenner
Odeya Rush
as Amber
Christopher Meloni
as Howard
Haley Joel Osment
as Ben
Jake Abel
as Jack
Rita Volk
as Heather
Marg Helgenberger
as Samantha
Taylor John Smith
as Brad
Christie McNab
as Leslie
Alani iLongwe
as Hayden
David Chattam
as Jim Swanson
Jonathan DePew
as Todd
Ron Goleman
as Coach Hamilton
Jon Hayden
as Russel
Brittney Level
as Annabel
Crew
Director
- Jake Goldberger
Writer
- Jake Goldberger
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Almost Friends examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jake Goldberger 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 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 Almost Friends took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 57 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- 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 Almost Friends shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Zamfir's Zona Part Two, which focuses more on action than character development, Almost Friends subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Tokyo Night Sky Is Always the Densest Shade of Blue and Out of Africa explore similar territory, Almost Friends 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: November 17, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 45m
Where to Watch
