The Horseman is a 2008 Australian vigilante action psychological thriller film directed and written by Steven Kastrissios[1] and starring Peter Marshall, Evert McQueen and introducing Caroline Marohasy.[2]
| The Horseman | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical film poster | |
| Directed by | Steven Kastrissios |
| Written by | Steven Kastrissios |
| Produced by | Rebecca Dakin Steven Kastrissios |
| Starring | Peter Marshall Caroline Marohasy Evert McQueen |
| Cinematography | Mark Broadbent |
| Edited by | Steven Kastrissios |
| Music by | Ryan Potter |
Production company | Kastle Films |
| Distributed by | Umbrella Entertainment Screen Media Ventures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Languages | English Gaelic |
Plot
editAfter the drug-induced death of his teenaged daughter, Christian (Peter Marshall) is sent a video tape, a "snuff film" involving his daughter and several men. Christian then decides to avenge his daughter by killing all those linked to the sex tape. Along the way he meets a teenage runaway named Alice (Caroline Marohasy) and a fragile friendship begins to unfold.
Cast
edit- Peter Marshall as Christian
- Caroline Marohasy as Alice
- Brad McMurray as Derek
- Jack Henry as Finn
- Evert McQueen as Jim
- Christopher Sommers as Pauly
- Bryan Probets as Walters
- Steve Tandy as Devlin
- Chris Betts as Hilton
- Damon Gibson as Chuck
- Hannah Levien as Jesse
- Ron Kelly as Det. Adams
- Robyn Moore as Irene
- Warren Meacham as Richards
- Greg Quinn as Kenneth
- Rhye Copeman as Eddie
Production
editThe Horseman was conceived as a short film.[3] It was filmed in Burpengary, Queensland.[4]
Release
editThe film came out on DVD and Blu-ray on 1 March 2010 in the UK.[5] The film was part of the Sitges Film Festival,[6] Fantasia Festival,[7] the Film4 FrightFest[8] and South by Southwest 2009.[9] Screen Media Ventures set the limited theatrical run for the United States on 15 June 2010.[10]
Critical reception
editWhile it has been criticised for the brutal violence and content matter, receiving an R rating,[11] writer and director Steven Kastrissios has mentioned he believes that the brutality is essential to the story.[12] It currently has a rating of 60% on the movie review site Rotten Tomatoes based on 30 reviews, with an average score of 5.9/10.[13]
Accolades
edit| Award | Category | Subject | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Underground Film Festival | Best Film | Steven Kastrissios | Won |
| Best Director | Won |
References
edit- ^ projectcyclops (4 November 2009). "Grimmupnorth 09: Review of The Horseman". Quiet Earth. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
- ^ "The Horseman Gets Limited Theatrical Release". Dread Central. 18 March 2010. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
- ^ The Horseman: Director Steven Kastrissios Archived 11 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Mallinder, Terry (12 January 2015). "Queensland's horror filled history". Sunshine Coast Daily. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ "The Horseman Wreaks Vengeance on the UK". Dread Central. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
- ^ "Sitges 2009 Complete Lineup". Sound on Sight. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
- ^ Fantasia 2009: Steven Kastrissios' The Horseman
- ^ "Incredible Film4 Frightfest lineup announced!". Quiet Earth. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
- ^ Weinberg, Scott (19 March 2009). "SXSW Review: 'The Horseman'". Fear Net. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
- ^ "'The Horseman' Gets Limited Theatrical Run This June". Bloody Disgusting. 18 March 2010. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
- ^ "The Horseman". Kastlefilms. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
- ^ Interview with 'Horseman' Director Steven Kastrissios, Creature Feature Next?
- ^ The Horseman (2008), http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_horseman_2008. Retrieved 13 November 2022