Cast
View All
Donald Sutherland
as Mr. Harrigan
Jaeden Martell
as Craig
Kirby Howell-Baptiste
as Ms. Hart
Joe Tippett
as Craig's Dad
Cyrus Arnold
as Kenny Yankovich
Conor William Wright
as U-Boat
Alexa Shae Niziak
as Margie
Bennett Saltzman
as Billy
Joseph Paul Kennedy
as Jack
Thomas Francis Murphy
as Pete
Thalia Torio
as Regina
Peggy J. Scott
as Edna Grogan
Daniel Reece
as Deane Whitmore
Wayne Pyle
as Mr. McPhillips
Frank Ridley
as Reverend Mooney
Crew
Director
- John Lee Hancock
Writer
- John Lee Hancock
Producer
- Ryan Murphy
- Jason Blum
- Carla Hacken
Reviews
jw
When to call a friend
This is not a summary, this is a review.
Do not expect action; do not expect much splatter, horror, or plot twists.
"Mr. Harrigan's Phone" is a coming-of-age story, and a reflection about loneliness, friendship, memories, guilt, death, modern communication, and what it does to us. It walks the line between slightly supernatural, and fully human.
It takes its time, is well filmed and acted, and does not try to be anything else.
And that's it.
C C C sT
Oct 8, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Mr. Harrigan's Phone presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John Lee Hancock 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, 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 Mr. Harrigan's Phone took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 165 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- 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 Mr. Harrigan's Phone shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Swan Song, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Mr. Harrigan's Phone offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like In the Wake and Dazed and Confused explore similar territory, Mr. Harrigan's Phone 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 5, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 45m
Where to Watch
