Cast
View AllVincent Ventresca
as Dr. Eli Rudkus
Rachel Hunter
as Hayley Anderson
William Forsythe
as Jacob Long
David Selby
as Fletcher Odermatt
Jennifer Lyn Quackenbush
as Reporter / Announcer (voice)
Robert Miano
as Sheriff Lester
James Daris
as
James Sheldon
as Johnny
Zachary Stevens
as
Amanda Ianelli
as
Jessica Summers
as
Holly McWilliams
as
Sean Kissner
as Milo Turner
David E. Ornston
as
Erron Jay
as Stellvertreter
Crew
Director
- Abram Cox
Writer
- T.M. Van Ostrand
- Kevin Moore
- J.Paul V.Robert
- David Goodin
Producer
- Johnny Martin
- Kenneth M. Badish
- Boaz Davidson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/TV Movie/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Larva presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Abram Cox 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 2005, 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 Larva took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.5 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2005, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Larva shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Slither, which focuses more on action than character development, Larva subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Faculty and The Hidden explore similar territory, Larva stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: January 22, 2005
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Budget: $1,500,000
Where to Watch

