Cast
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Matthew Nelson-Mahood
as Jason
Lizzie Boys
as Summer
Gabriel LaBelle
as Colin
Lauren Holly
as Neighbor
Donavon Stinson
as Roger
Valerie Tian
as Lisa
Taylor St. Pierre
as Blonde
Bryan Demore
as Brown
Raphael Kepinski
as The Husband
Sean MacLean
as Man
June B. Wilde
as Waitress
Hannah Rochelle Burr
as The Daughter
Cameron Alexander Andres
as The Son
Nicole Lee
as Diner Daughter #1
Ava Lee
as Diner Daughter #2
Crew
Director
- Peter Ricq
Writer
- Peter Ricq
- Phil Ivanusic
- Davila LeBlanc
Producer
- Amber Ripley
Reviews
Gimly
Suspension of disbelief? Never heard of it! But I still managed to have a good time with _Dead Shack_, and that's worth more to me than something as mundane as quality.
_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
Mar 11, 2018
furious_iz
**Fun little Canadian campy horror film**
I went into this film totally blind, and really didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised at this tightly paced and amusing horror comedy.
A trashy family along with the son's best friend go on a holiday to a cabin in the woods, and accidentally stumble on some nefarious dealings at the neighbours house.
The young actors were great, the totally inappropriate father character stole every scene he was in. The humour for the most part is crude and juvenile, but in a way that totally works and it mostly hits the mark. Sure characters do stupid things (as they always do in horror films), but you can forgive them because they are either drunk or in their early teens.
This film is not going to win any awards, but it is not aiming to. It is a B Movie and proud of it. Fun, campy, tongue in cheek, with enough well shot scenes to keep you entertained.
For fans of Trailer Park Boys and Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse
7/10
Mar 13, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This Action/Comedy/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Dead Shack presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Peter Ricq 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 Dead Shack took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 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:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- 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 Dead Shack shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Speed Racer, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Dead Shack subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Resident Evil: Extinction and Harsh Times explore similar territory, Dead Shack stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: July 2, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to Watch
