Cast
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Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
as Rayburn Swanson
Annabelle Wallis
as Sheriff Alice Gustafson
Zahn McClarnon
as Blackhawk
Melanie Scrofano
as Debbie
Hero Fiennes Tiffin
as Brooks
Patrick Garrow
as Jim Needles
Danielle Ryan
as Dr. Patel
Shaun Smyth
as Dr. Boone
Charlotte Lindsay Marron
as Molly
Brielle Robillard
as Gwen
Josh Cruddas
as Shorter Brother
Kayla Dumont
as Jane Doe
Annastasia Boston
as Tent City Patron
Bart Rochon
as Truck Owner
Sharon Canovas
as Morgue Attendant
Crew
Director
- Robin Pront
Writer
- Micah Ranum
Producer
- Cybill Lui
Reviews
tmdb15435519
I found myself enjoying thriller, heavily influenced by The Most Dangerous Game, among others. While the story had its pitfalls, the cinematography and acting were solid.
Jun 25, 2021
Wuchak
_**Murder, vengeance and justice in the wilderness of the northern Great Lakes region**_
The alcoholic owner of a wildlife sanctuary (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and the new Sheriff of a northern Minnesota county (Annabelle Wallis) discover evidence of someone possibly hunting girls. The former craves vengeance and the latter wants justice while questioning her troubled little brother’s involvement (Hero Fiennes). Zahn McClarnon, Melanie Scrofano and Shaun Smyth are also on hand.
"The Silencing" (2020) is a wilderness crime mystery/thriller along the lines of “The Vanished” (2020), but with elements of “Kiss the Girls” (1997). Some armchair critics are rash to point out supposed flaws, but practically everything is logically explained with a little imagination. Sure, there are movie-isms, like in the last acts of “A Simple Plan” (1998) and “The Virtuoso”
(2021), but that’s par for the course in cinema, particularly this genre.
Nikolaj makes for a quality masculine protagonist and it’s always a pleasure to see Annabelle Wallis. There’s a surprise or two along with the formula. The fact that the melancholic story keeps you guessing is a plus, not to mention the picturesque cinematography.
The movie runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, which is about an hour’s drive due west of North Bay.
GRADE: B
Mar 20, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Thriller/Action/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Silencing distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Robin Pront 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 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 The Silencing took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 459 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- 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 The Silencing shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Do You Like My Basement?, which focuses more on action than character development, The Silencing subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dancer in the Dark and Our Evil explore similar territory, The Silencing 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: July 18, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 33m
Where to Watch
