Cast
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Adam Brooks
as Ahab
Matthew Kennedy
as Father John Sullivan
Conor Sweeney
as Twink
Amy Groening
as Chelsea
Garrett Hnatiuk
as Walnut
Brent Neale
as Detective Stegel
Kevin Anderson
as Father O'Flynn
Meredith Sweeney
as Sleazy Mary
Jynx Vandersteen
as Stripper / Angel
Andrea Felldin
as Bartender / Angel
Zsuzsi
as The Chainsaw Ripper / Angel
Crew
Director
- Matthew Kennedy
- Conor Sweeney
- Adam Brooks
- Steven Kostanski
- Jeremy Gillespie
Writer
- Steven Kostanski
- Matthew Kennedy
- Conor Sweeney
- Adam Brooks
- Jeremy Gillespie
Producer
- Lloyd Kaufman
- Michael Herz
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Action/Comedy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Father's Day presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Matthew Kennedy 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 2011, 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 Father's Day took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.3 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 873 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Father's Day shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Blown Away, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Father's Day subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Arsenic and Old Lace and Saw II explore similar territory, Father's Day stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: June 19, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Budget: $250,000
Where to Watch
