Cast
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Eva Habermann
as Vanessa Majer
Helmut Krauss
as Dr. Fischer
Katy Karrenbauer
as Helga Wolf
Jiří Lábus
as Vladimir Kaiser
George Hardy
as Michael Waits
Désirée Nick
as Marchioness of Baden
Ceciiia Pillado
as Béatrice
Billie Zöckler
as Tipi
Ralf Bauer
as Mayor
Britta Selling
as Madame Pimèle
Lutz van der Horst
as Arabello
Julian David
as Youngling
Santiago Ziesmer
as César
Desirée Altig
as Natalja Majer
Nadir Sisman
as Charlie
Crew
Director
- Eric Dean Hordes
Writer
- Eric Dean Hordes
- Alexander König
Producer
- Alexander König
- Eva Habermann
- Eric Dean Hordes
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Fantasy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Under ConTroll presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Eric Dean Hordes 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 Under ConTroll took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.1 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 104 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Under ConTroll shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Last Action Hero, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Under ConTroll subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Daniel, the Wizard and Conan the Destroyer explore similar territory, Under ConTroll 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: October 6, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 23m
- Budget: $1,056,753
Where to Watch
