Cast
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Suki Waterhouse
as Camille Meadows
Ella-Rae Smith
as Helina
Madisen Beaty
as Bethany
Inanna Sarkis
as Alice
Stephanie Sy
as Yvonne
Djouliet Amara
as Rosalind
Jade Michael
as Lenora
Seamus Patterson
as Trevor
Marina Stephenson Kerr
as Mrs. Landry
Megan Best
as Kerrie
Cliff Sumter
as Police Officer
Colleen Furlan
as Ms. Duncan
Leah Mitchell
as Hallway Girl
Crew
Director
- Simon Barrett
Producer
- Matthew Baker
- Isaac Clements
- John Schoenfelder
- Russell Ackerman
- Tomas Deckaj
- Alex Mace
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Seance presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Simon Barrett 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 2021, 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 Seance took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2021, 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 Seance shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Happy Death Day, which focuses more on action than character development, Seance offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hellraiser and Cannibal Holocaust explore similar territory, Seance 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: May 21, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 32m
Where to Watch
