Cast
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Brian Krause
as Dr. John Chambers
Jaimi Paige
as Heather Chambers
Louis Herthum
as Chief Collins
Jared Abrahamson
as Ben Chambers
Michelle Hurd
as Christine Booth
Michael Leone
as Nathan Chambers
Noell Coet
as Nikki Collins
Sade Kimora Young
as Emms Booth
Kevin M. Horton
as Officer Cass
Eric Chandler
as Officer Mills
Todd Goble
as Jimmy Perkins
Michael Chandler
as Darren Schmidt
Callie Thorne
as Annabelle Fletcher
Kevin Grevioux
as Dean Booth
Jonathan Visser
as Shadow Person #1
Crew
Director
- Drew Gabreski
Writer
- Gerald Nott
Producer
- Sam Curphey
- Drew Gabreski
- James Keitel
- Jay Lavely
Reviews
Gimly
It's far from perfect, but these low budget horrors starring E-list actors bring up such exceedingly low expectations, that I actually ended up being kind of pleasantly surprised by _Be Afraid_.
_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
Jul 18, 2017
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Be Afraid presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Drew Gabreski 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 Be Afraid took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- 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:
- 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 Be Afraid shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 10 to Midnight, which focuses more on action than character development, Be Afraid offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Uncovered and Let Us Prey explore similar territory, Be Afraid stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: June 1, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 39m
