Cast
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Travis Fimmel
as Marcus Rutherford
Ben Mendelsohn
as Detective Meares
Murray Bartlett
as Tony Martin
Michael Dorman
as Ben Rutherford
Jane Badler
as Professor Banyon
Jessica Marais
as Kandi
Nathaniel Buzolic
as Ryan
John Jarratt
as Paul, the Coroner
Tahyna MacManus
as Mary Matthews
Trilby Glover
as Isabel Du Pont
Khan Chittenden
as Jed
Chanel Marriott
as Lucy
Malcolm Kennard
as Detective Reddick
Luke Carroll
as Nelson
Michael Loney
as Robert Shaw
Crew
Director
- John V. Soto
Writer
- Anthony Egan
- John V. Soto
Producer
- Deidre Kitcher
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Needle presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John V. Soto 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 Needle took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.5 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
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 Needle shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Needle subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Venom and Zombie Flesh Eaters explore similar territory, Needle 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: June 4, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $3,500,000
