Cast
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Jimmi Simpson
as Peter Rake
Mary McCormack
as Lilith
Shaunette Renée Wilson
as Marie
Maggie Lawson
as Rebecca Wheeler
Stephanie Beatriz
as Elena
Julianna Guill
as Kara Wheeler
Michael Weston
as Lonnie
Amanda Walsh
as Gwen Rake
Sutton Foster
as Lauren
Cass Buggé
as Delivery Girl
Sophia Del Pizzo
as Morgan
Nancy Linehan Charles
as Agnes
Crew
Director
- James Roday Rodriguez
Writer
- James Roday Rodriguez
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Treehouse presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director James Roday Rodriguez 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 Treehouse took approximately 31 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 106 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Treehouse shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Look What's Happened to Rosemary's Baby, which focuses more on action than character development, Treehouse offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Fer-de-Lance and Mind Over Murder explore similar territory, Treehouse stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: March 1, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch
