Cast
View All
Crew
Director
- Adam MacDonald
Writer
- Adam MacDonald
Producer
- Jonathan Bronfman
- Victoria Sanchez
Reviews
furious_iz
A slow-burn horror that doesn't quite burn enough.
Before I get started let me just say that angst and anger are not the same thing. I have read so many reviews that have described the character of Leah as angst-ridden. Angst is fear or anxiety, often about the future, it is not the same thing as anger...
Leah is a teen living with her grieving mother. She likes black metal and the occult. She's not completely off the rails, still respects her mother, but she is clearly dealing with the loss of her father as is her mother. Her mum decides it is time to uproot from the family home and shift to a cabin in the woods. After a massive argument the angry teen summons a demon/witch/entity to kill her mum, and spends the rest of the film regretting and trying to reverse the ritual.
There's some good acting, some nicely fleshed out characters with a lot of grey moral areas, no one is completely good or completely bad. The mother is simultaneously cold, selfish, distant, loving, caring and concerned. The daughter is angry, upset, respectful and loving.
The witch is a little like the shark in jaws, all subtle out of focus, with only the odd decent look at it. That is both a good and a bad thing. Fans of horror might feel let down, but fans of thrillers might think it is all a little too much
There are some monumentally bad decisions which are hard to get over, and the ending lacked some punch, but it is mostly a well made quiet film.
6/10
Apr 18, 2018
Repo Jack
Alone
Alone 2020
★★★½ Rewatched 17 Sep, 2020
Surly goth teenagers dabbling in the occult have become a horror movie cliché, but with Adam MacDonald's follow-up to his excellent debut Backcountry, it is an effective and compelling slow burn. With great performances from the leads (including Laurie Holden of The Mist and The Walking Dead), it explores what happens when a troubled teen follows up on her darkest wish. The final act is creepy and disturbing even though it comes to an abrupt end too early leaving us wanting more.
Oct 21, 2020
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Pyewacket presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Adam MacDonald 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 Pyewacket took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 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.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- 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 Pyewacket 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 Funeral, which focuses more on action than character development, Pyewacket subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Street Mobster and King of the Ants explore similar territory, Pyewacket 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: December 8, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 28m
Where to Watch
