Cast
View AllAdrian Glynn McMorran
as James
Magda Apanowicz
as Angela
John Cassini
as Ray
Frank Cassini
as Sal
Aleks Paunovic
as Terry
Bill Marchant
as Elliott
Darcy Hinds
as Ramierez
Blu Mankuma
as Mick
Jason Simpson
as Ben
Drummond Macdougall
as Police Officer
Jenn MacLean-Angus
as James' Mother
Kimi Alexander
as Boxing Sign Girl
Crew
Director
- Tony Dean Smith
Writer
- Ryan W. Smith
- Tony Dean Smith
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Volition explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Tony Dean Smith 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 Volition took approximately 24 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 113 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
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 Volition shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Wraith, which focuses more on action than character development, Volition subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Sound of Thunder and The Bank Job explore similar territory, Volition 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 15, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 31m