Cast
View AllAugustus Prew
as Adam Ellis
Andrea Bang
as Evelyn
Justin Long
as Bryce
René Escobar Jr.
as Kyle Sanchez
Cameron Nicoll
as Dear David
Jarrett Siddall
as Adult David
Rachel Wilson
as Linda
David Tompa
as Fred
Tricia Black
as Norris
Sarah Swire
as Miss Nola
Aviva Mongillo
as Chloe
Seth Murchison
as Kevin
Ethan Hwang
as James
Rachel Risen
as Olive
Michael Ayres
as Jaxon
Crew
Director
- John McPhail
Producer
- Richard Alan Reid
- Jason Moring
- Michael Philip
- Naysun Alae-Carew
- Charlotte Walsh
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Dear David presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John McPhail 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 2023, 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 Dear David took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 486 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: October 13, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch




