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Darby and the Dead

Darby and the Dead (2022)

Dec 02, 2022 1h 40m Comedy Fantasy Drama

After Darby Harper suffered a near-death experience as a child, she gained the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.

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Directed by Silas Howard

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Silas Howard
Producer
  • Eddie Rubin
  • Adam Saunders

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Darby and the Dead 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 Silas Howard 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 2022, 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 Darby and the Dead took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2022, 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 Darby and the Dead shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Irregular at Magic High School the Movie -Yotsuba Succession Arc-, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Darby and the Dead subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Casper and Pet Sematary explore similar territory, Darby and the Dead 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: December 2, 2022
  • Runtime: 1h 40m