Cast
Alicia von Rittberg
Hunter White
Herman Tømmeraas
Stian Norheim
Ellen Dorrit Petersen
Cecilia
Kalle Hennie
Male Nurse
Clarence Smith
Raylan White
Bjørn Hallgeir Myrene
Vegard
Ragnhild Gudbrandsen
Lillian Norheim
Stig R. Amdam
Torstein Norheim
Morten Holst
Kristian
Maria Alm Norell
Anna Norheim
Gerald Pettersen
Olav Norheim
Gry M. Dahl
Peter Førde
Receptionist
Crew
Director
- Alex Herron
Writer
- Thomas Moldestad
Producer
- Dave Spilde
- Ilana Pinker
- Tommy Wirkola
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Leave presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Alex Herron 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 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 Leave took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- 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.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
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 Leave 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 Monk, which focuses more on action than character development, Leave subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Wild Country and 3 Men and a Baby explore similar territory, Leave 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 28, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Budget: $1,958,878
Where to Watch
