Cast
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Amanda Crew
as Olive
Robert Patrick
as Harvey
Hayley Marie Norman
as Lenore
AnnaLynne McCord
as Blaire
Kim Delaney
as Crystal
Johnny Pemberton
as Uriah
Ray Santiago
as Asher
Nelson Franklin
as York
Tate Ellington
as James
Gigi Zumbado
as Frankie
Keisha Castle-Hughes
as Wyatt
Pia Shah
as Riki
Nancy Linehan Charles
as Agnes
Ronnie Gene Blevins
as David
Ray Wise
as Michael
Crew
Director
- Richard Bates Jr.
Producer
- Brion Hambel
- Brad Mendelsohn
- Lawrence Mattis
- Paul Jensen
- Matt Smith
Reviews
SWITCH.
‘Tone-Deaf’ has the story of a short film in the guise of a feature. It’s lazy, unoriginal, poorly written, blandly shot, and woefully acted. Any saving graces the film may have possessed - the comedic potential, unique storytelling elements, a respectable cast - are thrown by the wayside in favour of an outdated lesson on generational differences. What we’re left with is a pointless, dull, drawn-out attempt at horror. The only reason it’ll leave you screaming is out of boredom.
- Charlie David Page
Read Charlie's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-tone-deaf-a-horror-in-its-execution-only
Sep 11, 2019
JPV852
Pretty decent dark comedy/horror featuring an outrageous performance by Robert Patrick in probably one of his better roles in a long while and Amanda Crew holds her own at times quite well. There are some interesting scenes that I loved, one being when Crew's character was in a hallucinogenic state and talks with her deceased father, was a fine scene between Crew and Ray Wise.
Otherwise, nothing outstanding as a whole and does get preachy in spots (by both Patrick and Crew, and yes I know it's part of the dark comedic elements), but still would recommend this as a rental. **3.0/5**
Dec 15, 2019
Gimly
I know that the things that suck about _Tone-Deaf_ are **the point** of _Tone-Deaf_, but I don't know if that makes them any more acceptable.
_Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
Dec 22, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Tone-Deaf presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Richard Bates Jr. 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 2019, 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 Tone-Deaf took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 250 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- 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 Tone-Deaf shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Tone-Deaf offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Fallen and Grosse Pointe Blank explore similar territory, Tone-Deaf 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: March 10, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 27m
Where to Watch
