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The Field Guide to Evil

The Field Guide to Evil (2018)

Oct 11, 2018 1h 57m Horror

A feature-length anthology film. They are known as myths, lore, and folktales. Created to give logic to mankind’s darkest fears, these stories laid the foundation for what we now know as the horror genre.

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Directed by Severin Fiala

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Severin Fiala
  • Agnieszka Smoczyńska
  • Ashim Ahluwalia
  • Can Evrenol
  • Yannis Veslemes
  • Veronika Franz
  • Peter Strickland
  • Katrin Gebbe
  • Calvin Lee Reeder
Producer
  • Tony Malzone
  • Tim League
  • Ant Timpson

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Field Guide to Evil presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Severin Fiala 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 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 The Field Guide to Evil took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 46 unique compositions.
  • 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:
  • 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 The Field Guide to Evil 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 Exorcist, which focuses more on action than character development, The Field Guide to Evil offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Single White Female and Most Beautiful Island explore similar territory, The Field Guide to Evil stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: October 11, 2018
  • Runtime: 1h 57m

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