Cast
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Inka Kallén
as Maria
Saana Koivisto
as Matilda
Pekka Strang
as Mikko
Janina Berman
as Old Lady
Olga Temonen
as The Mother
Niko Saarela
as The Father
Linnea Skog
as Young Maria
Hilma Temonen
as Young Matilda
Kristian Stierncreutz
as Young Mikko
Mikko Leppilampi
as Lawyer
Ville Pidätys
as Ferry Driver
Vootele Poll
as Forrest Ranger
Ergo Küppas
as Police Officer Eerikäinen
Maria Tennof-Salman
as Female Police Officer
Marek Nõmm
as Waiter
Crew
Director
- Joonas Pajunen
- Max Seeck
Writer
- Max Seeck
- Joonas Pajunen
Producer
- Jukka Helle
- Hanna Virolainen
- Markus Selin
- Esko Rips
Reviews
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. The Knocking presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Joonas Pajunen 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 2023, 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 Knocking took approximately 32 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 110 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 80 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1143 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Knocking shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tape_13, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Knocking subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Death Forest: Forbidden Forest and Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort explore similar territory, The Knocking 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: February 22, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 27m
