Cast
View AllDominique Swain
as Anna
Corin Nemec
as Peter Rottentail
William McNamara
as Jake Mulligan
Gianni Capaldi
as Dr. Stanley
Vincent De Paul
as Principal Meyers
Laurie Love
as Mayor Riggs
Gianna Frangella
as Young Mandy
Tank Jones
as General Phelps
Aaron Lee
as Marty
Richard Anderson
as Thomas
Jason McCrite
as Mike
Byron Browne
as Larry
Phoenix Jd Gabe
as Church Cowboy Parishoner
Mark Speno
as Dr. Major Donnelly
Elizabeth Isaacson
as Church Parishoner
Crew
Director
- Brian Skiba
Writer
- David C. Hayes
- Brian Skiba
Producer
- Josh Tessier
- Brenton Earley
- Corin Nemec
- Ronald L. Halvas
- Travis McIntire
- Burt Skiba
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Rottentail presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Brian Skiba 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 2018, 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 Rottentail took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 984 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 72 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 481 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rottentail shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hostel, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Rottentail subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Monster Man and The Devil's Rejects explore similar territory, Rottentail 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: March 1, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 44m
Where to Watch





