Cast
View AllRichard Speight Jr.
as Roger
Casey Dillard
as Emerson
Glenn Payne
as Jim
Mari Kenney
as Grace
Maddie Ludt
as Jess
Jamie Fair
as Officer Puckett
Bill Luckett
as Mr. Lancaster
Coley Bryant
as Entity
Jessica Harthcock
as Nichole
Jennifer Hamilton Collins
as Katrina
Leah Hudspeth
as Heather
Phillip Sword
as Entity
Nicholas Roylance
as Caleb
Jaime Adams
as First Entity
Samantha McLarty
as Young Woman / Entity
Crew
Director
- Glenn Payne
Writer
- Casey Dillard
Producer
- Glenn Payne
- Casey Dillard
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Driven presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Glenn Payne 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 Driven took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 131 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1555 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- 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 Driven shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Open Your Eyes, which focuses more on action than character development, Driven subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and The Blair Witch Project explore similar territory, Driven 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 9, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 29m
Where to Watch

