Cast
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Dave Sheridan
as Mike
Sarah French
as Lisa
Davy Raphaely
as Jerry
Doug Henderson
as Ivan
Susan Moses
as Madame Zhora
Paul Cottman
as Detective Barnes
Wayne Shearer
as Mort
Tony Barber
as Motel Manager
Lisa Budwig
as Mystic Wanda
Leslie Talley
as Trudy
Janae Palmer
as Syn
Aleksandra Svetlichnaya
as Nada
Christina DiNicolo
as Erin
Nic Detorie
as Dick
Sheri Fairchild
as The Cleaning Lady
Crew
Director
- B. Harrison Smith
Writer
- James Newman
- Mark Steensland
Producer
- Alex Bafer
- Doug Henderson
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. The Special presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director B. Harrison Smith 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 2020, 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 The Special took approximately 23 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 131 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 187 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 2448 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- 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
While The Special shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Shaun of the Dead, which focuses more on action than character development, The Special subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Braindead explore similar territory, The Special 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: January 31, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
