Cast
View AllTommy James Murphy
as Ben
Chelsey Botelho
as Mallory
Larry Lindsay
as Waiter
Joseph Tierney
as Cop
Emalie Forsyth
as Darlene
Jacey Muir
as Lacey
Sean Young
as Restaurant Guest
Bar Kirshon
as Restaurant Guest
Misha Khorramshahi
as Restaurant Guest
Karen Aroki
as Restaurant Guest
Riaz Mahmood
as Restaurant Guest
Crew
Director
- Joe Parente
Writer
- Spencer Sinclair
Producer
- David James
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. My Dinner With Chuck presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Joe Parente 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 My Dinner With Chuck took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The costume department created over 438 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 69 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While My Dinner With Chuck shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Blind Dating, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, My Dinner With Chuck offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Galaxy of Horrors and The Substitute explore similar territory, My Dinner With Chuck 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: October 31, 2019
- Budget: $9,000