Cast
View AllTony March
as Sheriff Dean
Lisa Stahl
as Sue Ellen
Tom Law
as Deputy Scott
Carol Cadby
as Patty
Donna Baltron
as Rose
Just Kelly
as Cindy
Vincent Tumeo
as Chad
Gregg Todd Davis
as Owen
Merry Rozelle
as Angie
Roy Smart
as Eliah
Shannon Ratigan
as Gas Attendant
Kimberly Johnston
as Shower Girl
Charmaine Stratos
as Nun
Kevin Quigley
as L.Q.
Heidi Brown
as Bar Maid
Crew
Director
- Richard Styles
Producer
- Barry H. Waldman
Reviews
Wuchak
**_“Hidden gem” from the mid-80s in the thriller/horror category_**
Four females from a Catholic college in Virginia head to Fort Lauderdale for Spring Break, but inadvertently see something they shouldn’t have seen in a Southern town along the way. Havoc ensues.
"Shallow Grave" (1987) begins with an homage to “Psycho,” but it’s more of an adventure/crime thriller than a slasher. Movies from the early 80s like “First Blood,” “Trapped,” aka "Baker County, USA,” and “Murder in Coweta County” come to mind. It starts fun and amusing, keeping with the college girls traveling to Spring Break motif, yet takes a deadly serious turn in the second act, becoming suspenseful till the uncertain climax.
Brunette Donna Baltron stands out on the feminine front as Rose; too bad her role isn’t bigger. On the other side of the gender spectrum, Tony March is notable as the hairy-chested Sheriff.
There’s an interesting subtext on the domino effect of negative decisions, which can lead to desperation and committing the most awful acts imaginable. Even the best of us is susceptible, so don’t make the initial bad decision in the first place (in this case, adultery). Other themes include injustice, the corruption of an authority figure and the responsibility of those in subordinate positions.
It runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was shot in Medley, Florida, which is 15 miles northwest of Miami and 30 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale.
GRADE: B
Jan 2, 2025
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Shallow Grave presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Richard Styles 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 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Shallow Grave took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Shallow Grave shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Child's Play 3, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Shallow Grave offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Wait Until Dark and The American Friend explore similar territory, Shallow Grave 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: September 25, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 29m
Where to Watch
