Cast
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Stephen Dorff
as Cash
Elizabeth Reaser
as Susan
Donald Faison
as Mr. Stewart
Darren Mann
as Jett Boykins
Karrueche Tran
as Jade
Drew Scheid
as Brian
Drew Starkey
as Tanner Van Holt
Leslie Sides
as VIP fan
Emily Towles
as Hot Assistant (2018)
Saïd Taghmaoui
as Claude
Lindsey Garrett
as Ms. Malek
Chip Carriere
as Earl Hardy
Ava Capri
as Keaton Carmichael
Myles Phillips
as Quinn's Classmate
Donald Cerrone
as Autograph Jack
Crew
Director
- Nick Sarkisov
Writer
- David McKenna
Producer
- Eryl Cochran
- Scott LaStaiti
- Sergey Sarkisov
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Embattled 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 Nick Sarkisov 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 Embattled took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 44 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Embattled shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike MLW Blood & Thunder, which focuses more on action than character development, Embattled subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Wrestler and Blue Demon vs. the Satanic Power explore similar territory, Embattled stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: November 20, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 57m
Where to Watch
