| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Gavin Brown | ... | ||
| Ethan Philbeck | ... |
Steve
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Phyllis Munro | ... |
Mom
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| Louie Lawless | ... |
Dad
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Alex Kogin | ... |
David
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Andy Alphonse | ... |
Preacher Donald
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| Shane Beasley | ... |
'Headless' Killer
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Angela Denton | ... |
Charlotte in 'Deep Dwellers' /
First Victim in 'Headless'
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| Kitsie Duncan | ... |
Trevor's Mom
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Kate Braun | ... |
Miss Thomas
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Edward Jackson | ... |
Marcus
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Adrian Cox-Thurmond | ... |
Trevor
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Brigid Macaulay | ... |
Second Victim in 'Headless'
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Dane Irwin | ... |
Levi
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| Christopher Hunt | ... |
Rodney in 'Deep Dwellers'
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Based on the novel by Todd Rigney, "Found" centers around Marty, a shy, bullied fifth-grader who takes refuge in horror films... until his life turns into one. After finding a human head in his brother's closet, Marty fears for the safety of his family while making a desperate effort to reconnect with Steve, the big brother whose homicidal cravings threaten to destroy life as Marty knows it. Written by Leya Taylor & Scott Schirmer & Todd Rigney
I waited two years to watch this film, having avidly followed its production and debut on Facebook. I finally received my copy in the mail and it was with some trepidation that I put the DVD into the player. I already had a good idea of what I was in for, so I curled under a blanket and kept my finger on the pause button so that I could stop if I got too overwhelmed. Like Marty riveted by "Headless," however, I found I couldn't look away until the last credits had rolled.
Blood, horror, and decapitation? Oh yes. This film is dripping with truly realistic, grisly effects imagined by a creatively twisted mind. Framing the gory details is a story fueled by socially-charged issues which commonly drive violence in our everyday lives. Racism, bullying, gender identity, sexuality, and family dynamics all play a role in the unfolding events. Through Marty's eyes, we get glimpses into a deeply troubled family whose facade of "normalcy" is swiftly unraveling. Along with Marty we try to understand how such a perfect family has something so rotten at its heart--but the answers don't come easily.
Although a story driven by such serious social themes could run the risk of becoming preachy, Marty's perspective keeps the tone human and grounded. The film doesn't evaluate the issues on behalf of the viewer--the viewer is left to draw his or her own conclusions about what constitutes "horror" and what creates a killer. This aspect of the storytelling may be uncomfortable for those who want the line between good and evil defined with more clarity; but, for me, it's the unsettled questions that have kept this movie in my mind for days after viewing (and will bring me back to watch it again and again).
Technical issues: You may find that some of the character dialogue is a bit muffled. It varies from scene to scene; but didn't interfere with my overall enjoyment of the movie.
Acting: For the most part the actors seemed well suited to their roles, with Shane Beasley (the "Headless" killer) and Gavin Brown (Marty) standing out as the most convincing in my mind. Ethan Philbeck (Steve) and Phyllis Munro (Mom) also put in very strong performances.
Filming: Locations were clearly chosen with great care and attention to detail. Many of the outdoor scenes are beautifully captured, especially the scenes of Marty walking through an overgrown field to the local junkyard. Juxtaposed with scenes of unflinching cruelty and violence, the beauty becomes all the more eerie.
Music: The score, which ranges from heavy metal to instrumental, sets the tone flawlessly.
Overall: On so many levels, this movie is a stunning addition to the horror genre. To everyone involved with making this film: well done. You created a story that I'm not going to get out of my head any time soon.