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The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice

The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice (2021)

Feb 20, 2021 1h 27m Drama Crime TV Movie

Mari Gilbert searches for the truth behind what happened to her daughter Shannan, a sometime escort who disappeared after a ‘date’ on Long Island. After Shannan fails to come home, her mother Mari knows something is terribly wrong. Pleading to police to take her concerns seriously, she keeps pushing the police for answers. Mari’s insistence that her daughter not be overlooked eventually leads to a horror hidden on Long Island for more than a decade – 19 bodies of young women discovered buried in shallow graves along Ocean Parkway in the area of Jones Beach State Park.

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Directed by Stanley M. Brooks

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Stanley M. Brooks
Writer
  • John Pielmeier
Producer
  • Kevin Leeson
  • Shawn Williamson
  • Jamie Goehring

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Stanley M. Brooks 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 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 The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 111 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 488 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, 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 Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Antarctica, which focuses more on action than character development, The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Albert Fish: In Sin He Found Salvation and Ablaze explore similar territory, The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother's Hunt for Justice stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: February 20, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 27m