Cast
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Craig Fairbrass
as Freddy 'Dead Cert' Frankham
Dexter Fletcher
as Eddie Christian
Lisa McAllister
as Jen Christian
Janet Montgomery
as Giselle
Billy Murray
as Dante Livenko
Steven Berkoff
as Kenneth Mason
Jason Flemyng
as Chelsea Steve
Danny Dyer
as Roger Kipling
Andrew Tiernan
as Chekha
Dave Legeno
as Yuvesky
Chloe Farnworth
as Key Key
Lucinda Rhodes Thakrar
as Katy
Roland Manookian
as Chinnery
Ciarán Griffiths
as Skender
Ian Virgo
as Terry Richards
Crew
Director
- Steven Lawson
Writer
- Ben Shillito
Producer
- Steven Lawson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror/Action film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Dead Cert presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Steven Lawson 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 2010, 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 Cert took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- 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.
- The film contains approximately 2243 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- 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 Dead Cert shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Trespass, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Dead Cert subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Hard Times and The Nest explore similar territory, Dead Cert 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: August 26, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 32m
Where to Watch
