Cast
View AllAlexander Brickel
as Douglas "Dougie" Whooly
Katheryn Winnick
as Jenna Whooly
Stephen Graham
as Alex Martin
Amanda Plummer
as Merrill Whooly
Wass Stevens
as Dean Whooly
Dan Ziskie
as Vernon Martin
Melisa McGregor
as Nicole
Joshua Annex
as Satan Man
Joyce R. Korbin
as Mrs. Sylvia Tishbaum
Anthony Ardolino
as Hunter
Mary Kay Adams
as Fran
Christian Robert Varley
as He Head
JoAnna Beckson
as She Head
Larry Sloman
as Mayor Flarin
Lisa Barnes
as Mrs. Flarin
Crew
Director
- Jeff Lieberman
Producer
- Isen Robbins
- Mickey McDonough
- Aimee Schoof
- Jeff Lieberman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Satan's Little Helper presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jeff Lieberman 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 2005, 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 Satan's Little Helper took approximately 22 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 158 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1540 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 126 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2005, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Satan's Little Helper shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Desperation, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Satan's Little Helper offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge and Very Bad Things explore similar territory, Satan's Little Helper stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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 4, 2005
- Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to Watch
