"Z" Summary
"Z" is a 2019 Canadian horror film directed by Brandon Christensen, co-written with Colin Minihan. The narrative centers around a family terrorized by their eight-year-old son's imaginary friend. The film's cast includes Keegan Connor Tracy as Elizabeth "Beth" Parsons, Jett Klyne as Joshua Parsons, Sean Rogerson as Kevin Parsons, Sara Canning, Stephen McHattie, and others.
The plot unfolds around the Parsons family, particularly focusing on the mother, Beth, and her son, Joshua. Beth becomes increasingly concerned about Joshua's relationship with his imaginary friend named 'Z'. This concern escalates as Joshua's behavior becomes more erratic and disturbing, leading to alarming events and a revelation of a family history tied to this mysterious entity.
"Z" was released as a Shudder exclusive on May 7, 2020, and has received positive critical reception. The film is compared to other horror movies like "Poltergeist" and "The Babadook" for its storyline of a possessive force destroying a family. Despite some limitations in its effects budget and certain elements like its score, "Z" has been recognized for its storytelling and the ability to deliver effective jump scares.
Film Reviews
In "Z," a horror film directed by Brandon Christensen, the cinematography by Bradley Stuckel plays a significant role in enhancing the film's eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. The movie centers around a family, particularly the mother Elizabeth and her son Joshua, who begins showing disturbing behavior due to his imaginary friend named Z.
- Dread Central commends the film for its exploration of themes like trauma and imagination, leading to terror. They highlight Stuckel's cinematography and Brittany Allen's music as key elements that augment the feeling of dread and maintain an incredibly creepy atmosphere throughout the film.
- Substream Magazine points out how Stuckel effectively uses negative space to depict the deteriorating mindset of the protagonist, Beth. The cinematography contributes to the movie's shift in tone from a malevolent/poltergeist movie to something more heartbreaking, emphasizing the emotional turmoil of Beth. The magazine also notes the film's clever play with perspective, leaving ambiguity around whether the events are supernatural or psychological.
- Roger Ebert's review mentions the film's smart structuring and its effective use of horror elements. While critiquing some overdone theatrical aspects of the genre, the review acknowledges the film's successful storytelling, which is supported by Stuckel's cinematography in creating a tense and unsettling environment.
- Vague Visages discusses the film's benefit from the contemporary context of viewing horror movies at home. They note Stuckel's crisp capturing of the Canadian suburbia setting on the Red Scarlet-W Dragon camera, contributing to the film's domestic horror theme.
Overall, Bradley Stuckel's cinematography in "Z" is noted for its contribution to creating a tense, creepy, and emotionally engaging atmosphere. The visual storytelling enhances the film's exploration of the psychological and possibly supernatural elements, making it a noteworthy entry in the horror genre.
Creative Team
Director:
Producers:
- Chris Ball
- Cliff Burrows
- Brandon Christensen
- Miles Forster
- Roch Gagne
- David Gauthier
- Kurtis David Harder
- Colin Minihan
Production Company:
- Digital Interference Productions
Cinematography:
Music:
Cast:
- Keegan Connor Tracy as Elizabeth "Beth" Parsons
- Jett Klyne as Joshua Parsons
- Sean Rogerson as Kevin Parsons
- Sara Canning as Jenna Montgomery
- Stephen McHattie as Dr. Seager
- Chandra West as Georgia
Writing:
- Brandon Christensen
- Colin Minihan
Art Direction:
Set Decoration:
Costume Design:
Makeup Department:
- Tracy Falukozi (Special Makeup Effects Artist)
- Kyra Macpherson (Co-Department Head Makeup Artist)
Awards Recognition
- Leo Awards (2020):
- Nominee for Best Cinematography in a Motion Picture (Bradley Stuckel)
- Nominee for Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture (Keegan Connor Tracy)
- Calgary International Film Festival (2019):
- Winner of the Audience Award for Best Late Show (Brandon Christensen)
- UBCP/ACTRA Awards, Vancouver (2019):
- Nominee for Best Actress (Keegan Connor Tracy)
- Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival (2019):
- Winner of Best Feature Film and Best Director (Brandon Christensen)
- Nominee for Best Actor (Jett Klyne) and Best Actress (Keegan Connor Tracy)
- Nominee for Best Screenplay (Brandon Christensen, Colin Minihan)
- Popcorn Frights (2019):
- Nightmares Film Festival (2019):
- Winner of Best Horror Feature
- Nominee for Best Director Feature (Brandon Christensen)
- Sin City Horror Fest (2019):
- Winner of Best Cinematography (Bradley Stuckel), Best Film, and Best Score (Brittany Allen)
- Winner of Best Sound Design (Miguel Nunes)
Technical Details
The film "Z," directed by Brandon Christensen, premiered on June 1, 2019, at the Overlook Film Festival. Following its festival debut, it was later released as a Shudder exclusive on May 7, 2020.
Camera:
Red Scarlet W
Lenses:
Sigma Cine Primes
Aspect Ratio:
2.39:1
Printed Format:
DCP Digital Cinema Package, Video (UHD)
Sound mix
Dolby Surround 5.1
Distribution by AMC Networks Shudder streaming platform.