Cast
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Crew
Director
- Joe Stephenson
Writer
- Dan Kelly-Mulhern
- Joe Stephenson
Producer
- Liam Coutts
- Joe Stephenson
- Guy de Beaujeu
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I can't be the only one who thinks that Scott Chambers bears an uncanny resemblance to Barry Keoghan? Anyway, after a career in petty theft and drugs - and with a seriously ill daughter - "Rob" (Chambers) finds himself in front of the rather imperious "Sandra" (Lindsay Duncan) and her boss "Nina" (Eddie Izzard). The latter is looking for some help around her huge stately home and for some reason she takes a bit of a shine to the young man. After a shaky start, the two start to become friends and he is promised the funds to see his daughter "Ari" gets the treatment she needs. Snag? Well "Rob" has to help her out with a rather monstrous request. Has he got what it takes? The first twenty minutes of this are actually quite good - Duncan is fine as the over-bearing assistant and there's a bit of chemistry between Izzard and her new-found friend. Quickly though, there emerge a few silly sub-plots and, indeed, plot holes before an ending that I felt really quite disappointing. To be fair, Dan Kelly-Mulhern has tried to do something a bit different with this Stevenson story - never an easy thing when it's already been pretty much done to death - but this just runs out of steam by the half way mark and thereafter is all a bit daft. It's an OK watch for ninety minutes, but you won't recall it a week afterwards and there's really nothing remotely scary to worry about either.
Nov 1, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Doctor Jekyll presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Joe Stephenson 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 Doctor Jekyll took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.6 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
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 Doctor Jekyll 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 Shining, which focuses more on action than character development, Doctor Jekyll offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Vampyr and Rosemary's Baby explore similar territory, Doctor Jekyll 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: October 27, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Budget: $625,000
- Revenue: $21,524
Where to Watch
