Cast
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Jeremy Ninaber
as Beckett
Ethan Mitchell
as Marshall
Kristen Kaster
as Chloe
Matthew Ninaber
as Monster
Matthew Daciw
as Olek Volkov
Jacqueline Ninaber
as Rachel
Jonah Fortin
as Jonah Petrov
Melissa Joy Boerger
as Jessica
Justin Moses
as Moses
Jeff Waters
as Preacher
Jacob Fortin
as Militia Boy
Connor Mitchell
as Flight Crew
Jeremy Dueck
as Cadaver
Tyler Garton
as Flame Thrower
Crew
Director
- Matthew Ninaber
Producer
- Cody Calahan
- Matthew Ninaber
- Chad Archibald
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Science Fiction/Action film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Death Valley presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Matthew Ninaber 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 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 Death Valley took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1555 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- 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 Death Valley shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ghoulies, which focuses more on action than character development, Death Valley offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Feet of Death and Mimic explore similar territory, Death Valley 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: November 18, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 33m
Where to Watch
