Cast
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Meredith Salenger
as Amy Halloran
Joanna Pacula
as Felice Dunbar
Mimi Kuzyk
as Brenda
Nicholas Kilbertus
as Jack Halloran
Sabrina Boudot
as Heather
Shawn Levy
as Terry
Peter Dvorsky
as Father Joe
Jan Rubeš
as Gordon Tobin
Céline Lomez
as Aunt Irene
Dorian Joe Clark
as T.C.
Richard Dumont
as Abe
Priscilla Mouzakiotis
as Young Felice
Talya Rubin
as Young Hilary
Philip Pretten
as Father
Johanne Harelle
as Old African Woman
Crew
Director
- Pen Densham
Writer
- Tom Ropelewski
- Stephen Volk
Producer
- Pen Densham
- John Watson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror/Drama/Fantasy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Kiss presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by blending supernatural elements with realistic human reactions.
Director Pen Densham 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 1988, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Kiss took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 157 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 166 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Kiss shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Foreign Language, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Kiss subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like After Life and Witchboard explore similar territory, The Kiss 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: October 14, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Budget: $6,000,000
