Cast
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Jacqueline Toboni
as Sam
Kelley Mack
as Sheryl
Christine Donlon
as Lili
Brandon Sklenar
as Cory
Austin Hébert
as Joshua
Will Harris
as Arty
Lindsay Ames
as Andy
Robert M. Lee
as Detective Jin Park
Keene McRae
as Vince
Nick Bastounes
as Lane
Brandon Bernath
as Officer Carter
Lane Thomas
as Clay
Emma Berdie Donson
as Marley
Kristoffer McMillan
as William
Crew
Director
- Keene McRae
Writer
- Keene McRae
- Kristoffer McMillan
- Lane Thomas
Producer
- Kristoffer McMillan
- Lane Thomas
- Emma Berdie Donson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Shot in the Dark presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Keene McRae 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 Shot in the Dark took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 465 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- 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 Shot in the Dark shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike M, which focuses more on action than character development, Shot in the Dark subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ed Kemper and Last Tango in Paris explore similar territory, Shot in the Dark 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: October 10, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 23m
