Cast
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Michael Tow
as Roberto Ferrari
Laura Hetherington
as Lily
Melissa LaMartina
as Allyssa
Ian Lyons
as Phillip
Craig Peter Coletta
as Vasily
Celeste Oliva
as The DJ Dragon Li (voice)
May Chen
as Jessica Lee
Autumn Breaud
as Young Woman
Dominic Vashuk
as Zeus Lee
Angus Taylor
as Little Boy
Chung-Chin Pennello
as Mama Lee
Crew
Director
- Chelsie Pennello
Writer
- Chelsie Pennello
- Corbett Blair
Producer
- Melissa LaMartina
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Cherry-Colored Funk 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 Chelsie Pennello 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 2025, 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 Cherry-Colored Funk took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 16 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 43 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2025, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Cherry-Colored Funk shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Idiocracy, which focuses more on action than character development, Cherry-Colored Funk subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Smokin' Aces and I Hired a Contract Killer explore similar territory, Cherry-Colored Funk 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: April 12, 2025
- Runtime: 16m
- Budget: $37,000
