Cast
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Gail O'Grady
as Dr. Green
Silas Weir Mitchell
as Bennett
America Olivo
as Britt
Jason Thompson
as Gavin
Erin Reese
as Chloe (as Erin Michelle Lokitz)
Peter Onorati
as Chief
Kinsey Packard
as Agent Randall
Erin Foster
as Morgan
Tally Hunkins
as Sherri
Rae Sunshine Lee
as Hospital worker
Gregg Lee
as Hospital worker
Crew
Director
- Michael W. Watkins
Writer
- Brad Tiemann
Producer
- Brad Tiemann
- Luke Daniels
- Joe Dain
- James Allen Bradley
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Circle presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Michael W. Watkins 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 Circle took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 2170 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2010, 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 Circle shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Black Coal, Thin Ice, which focuses more on action than character development, Circle subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Klute and Fail Safe explore similar territory, Circle stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: September 11, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 24m
