Cast
View AllOlivia Jones
as Dina
Carlos Palomino
as Father Carlos
Benjamin Ochieng
as Ezekiel
Michelle Elizabeth O'Shea
as Lilly
Corey Olenick
as Jackson
Kane Richard Blust
as Tony
Josseph Ćhoffeh
as Kalif
Diana Castrillon
as Sister Mary Katherine
Paige Friedman
as Jessica
Margo Rowder
as Lindsay White
Jonathan Rivenburg
as Samuel
Terrance Wentz
as Beelzebub
Claudia Zie
as Matka
Sammy The Dwarf
as Dwarf Demon
Jessie Lee Pauli
as Motel Druggie
Crew
Director
- Olivia Jones
Writer
- Richard Jones
Producer
- Olivia Jones
Reviews
GeekyRedhead
Shaky camera. Documentary-style. SNORE.
Jun 19, 2024
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Godforsaken presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Olivia Jones 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 Godforsaken took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 116 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 2070 individual shots.
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 Godforsaken shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Scream, which focuses more on action than character development, Godforsaken subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Fright and Are We Dead Yet explore similar territory, Godforsaken 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: February 15, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 31m
Where to Watch
