Cast
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Shawn Ashmore
as Jeff Anderson
Lin Shaye
as Angela Anderson
Gary Cole
as Mark Witver
Vahina Giocante
as Elizabeth Anderson
Sonya Walger
as Jane Wilson
Stefania Spampinato
as Amanda Tyler
Daniella Alonso
as Kelly Alderman
Richard Harmon
as Adam Witver
Marlon Young
as (uncredited)
Aliza Pearl
as Officer Pearl
Tanner Thomason
as Paramedic
David Gianopoulos
as Officer Walker
James Logan
as Suspect
Melissa Papel
as Officer #1
Vince Pavia
as Officer #2
Crew
Director
- Julien Seri
Writer
- Giles Daoust
Producer
- Luke Barnett
- Catherine Dumonceaux
Reviews
CinemaSerf
...and to think that I very nearly paid money to see this in the cinema... I thought the premiss was quite interesting - father and son serial killers who threaten their female victims into taking an overdose before drowning them in the bath to make it look like suicide. Shawn Ashmore is usually quite easy on the eye, too - so worth a look, eh? Well, no actually. It's shocking. Ashmore is "Jeff" a detective whose wife was one of the "suicide" victims, and who goes a bit off the rails. He works hard for weeks before coming to the conclusion that this was murder and despite scepticism from his erstwhile partner (now his boss) he works out a list of potential victims and... Yes, it's that predictable. It has all the suspense of the sun coming up in the morning and the acting across the board is just plain terrible. Guns change hands as easily as lollipops and the ending couldn't come quickly enough. Really one to avoid, I'm afraid. Sorry.
Mar 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Darkness Falls examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Julien Seri 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, 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 Darkness Falls took approximately 36 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 136 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 369 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: March 7, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch
