Cast
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Sarah Bolger
as Rebecca
Lily Cole
as Ernessa Bloch
Sarah Gadon
as Lucy Blake
Scott Speedman
as Mr. Davies
Valerie Tian
as Charlie
Melissa Farman
as Dora
Laurence Hamelin
as Sofia
Kathleen Fee
as Miss Bobbie
Judy Parfitt
as Miss Rood
Deena Aziz
as Dr. Olivio
Anne Day-Jones
as Rebecca's Mother
Zina Wilde
as Cute Girl
Julian Casey
as Rebecca's Father
Steffi Hagel
as Young Rebecca
Leif Anderson
as Policeman
Crew
Director
- Mary Harron
Producer
- Karine Martin
- David Collins
Reviews
Wuchak
**_Modern version of Carmilla at an all-girls boarding school in the Northeast_**
Rebecca (Sarah Bolger) becomes suspicious of a mysterious new student (Lily Cole) at her private prep school. Is it just teenage jealousy heightened by trauma over her dad’s death or does Ernessa have a dark secret?
“The Moth Diaries” (2011) is a psychological youth drama that eventually throws in bits of fantasy or horror. The latter is low-key with enough ambiguity about what’s going on to (mis)lead some. I can’t say more because I don’t want to give anything away. I’ll just point out that “Carmilla” is emphasized in the English Literature class, which was written by Irish novelist Sheridan Le Fanu and published in 1872, predating Bram Stoker's "Dracula" by some 25-26 years.
The setting of course brings to mind “Dead Poets Society,” just replaced with students of the feminine gender, not to mention the events take place in 2010 (when the flick was shot). The story respects the intelligence of the viewer to put the pieces of the puzzle together. For instance, why would the Asian student (Valerie Tian) be so foolish to throw a chair through the window at a party? Why would a certain adult so unwisely come on to a student, risking career and future? It’s not bad writing; the answers are there.
Just keep in mind that the vampire lore of Carmilla isn’t the same as the more popular lore of Dracula.
As far as the cast goes, statuesque Lily Cole (Ernessa) has the uncanny face of a porcelain doll while Bolger is effective enough as the protagonist. One wonders if everything she experiences is all in her head (even though it’s not).
Fans of “The Woods” and “The River King” should appreciate this. It’s superior to the former, but not quite on the level of the latter.
The movie runs 1 hour, 22 minutes, and was shot in Oka, Québec, and Montreal, which is a dozen miles east of Oka.
GRADE: B-
Sep 26, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Moth Diaries presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Mary Harron 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 2011, 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 Moth Diaries took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1246 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Moth Diaries shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike I Was a Teenage Serial Killer, which focuses more on action than character development, The Moth Diaries subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Bram Stoker's Van Helsing and La Rose de Sang explore similar territory, The Moth Diaries stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 6, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 22m
- Revenue: $3,838
Where to Watch
