Backdrop preview 1922 backdrop
1922

1922 (2017)

Oct 20, 2017 1h 42m Horror Crime Drama

A simple yet proud rancher conspires to murder his wife for financial gain, convincing his teenage son to participate.

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Directed by Zak Hilditch

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Zak Hilditch
Producer
  • Ross M. Dinerstein

Reviews

Gimly
6/10

Thomas Jane's accent might be pretty hard to understand, and the story is just a just a plot you've already seen put through the Stephen King's _Children of the Corn_ wringer, but that doesn't stop 1922 from being another Stephen King adaptation we can put in 2017's "Good" column, alongside _It_ and _Gerald's Game_ (and decidedly not alongside _The Dark Tower_).

_Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._

Nov 28, 2017

Wuchak
8/10

***There’s always another way than murder***

Two members of a corn-farming family in 1922 Nebraska commit a crime and get away with it, but do they really? Thomas Jane and Molly Parker play the parents while Dylan Schmid is on hand as the son, who’s about 15.

Released in 2017, “1922” is a haunting crime drama/period piece with elements of horror, unsurprisingly based on a Stephen King story of the same name. The confined farm location, tone and even genre are akin to films like “The Messengers” (2007), “Husk” (2011) and “Signs” (2002). There’s also a nod to “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967).

Thomas Jane should’ve gotten an award for his performance, as he literally disappears in the role and is unrecognizable. His farm hick accent is so thick I strongly recommend using the subtitles.

The themes revolve around disloyalty, the danger of allowing hostility (hatred) to fester, the abuse of authority/manipulation and the power of conscience.

The film runs 1 hour, 42 minutes and was shot, believe it or not, in Western Australia. Additional cast: Kaitlyn Bernard appears as the kid’s neighbor girlfriend and Neal McDonough her father.

GRADE: B

Oct 25, 2018

CinemaSerf
6/10

This isn't so much a movie, as a stark - almost biblical - lesson on the reap and ye shall sow principle. Thomas Jane is unhappily married to Molly Parker. When she decides it is time to sell up their small ranch (complete with fields of tall corn!), he hits on the idea of disposing of her. He ropes in his 14 year old son Dylan Schmid and what follows is a rather beautifully shot story of retribution (divine or man-made) on the pair. This is more of a cross-thread of what happens to the two men dealing with the consequences, than a story with a narrative, and that is where the film really slows down to a rather ponderous grind. It was only ever a short-ish story from Stephen King so it was always going to be tough to properly string it out for 100 minutes and though atmospheric, it is really just a rather procedural plod of a film with little about the two men to engage sympathy. At times the imagery is graphic, but not in an especially potent way, and the dialogue seems to take for ever to make the point we have long guessed for ourselves much earlier. More of a moral message than a movie...

Mar 28, 2022

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Crime/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. 1922 presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Zak Hilditch 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 1922 took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 55 unique compositions.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

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 1922 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Battle: Freestyle, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, 1922 offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Candyman and Scanners explore similar territory, 1922 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 20, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 42m

Where to Watch

Netflix
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