On Screen!: Shivers 2008
Dive into *On Screen!: Shivers* (2008), a gripping 47-minute deep-dive into the early career of Canadian horror auteur David Cronenberg.
Director: Tristan Orchard
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is On Screen!: Shivers (2008) about?
*On Screen!: Shivers* follows Dr. Hobbes, a medical professor whose experiment with a genetically engineered parasite spirals out of control, unleashing a wave of uncontrollable desire and chaos in a residential community. The film blends body horror with psychological tension as the parasite's influence spreads, turning ordinary people into vessels of primal instinct. It's a compact but intense exploration of scientific hubris and societal collapse.
Who directed On Screen!: Shivers?
The film was directed by Tristan Orchard, marking the debut feature that would later spotlight the work of acclaimed filmmaker David Cronenberg.
Who stars in On Screen!: Shivers?
The film features David Cronenberg, Joe Blasco, and Ivan Reitman in key roles, alongside Fred Doederlein as Dr. Hobbes.
Is On Screen!: Shivers (2008) worth watching?
If you're a fan of Cronenberg's unsettling style or early horror cinema, *On Screen!: Shivers* is absolutely worth watching. Its concise runtime packs a punch, offering a fascinating glimpse into the filmmaker's signature themes of bodily transformation and societal decay. While it's a niche title, its historical significance and eerie atmosphere make it a compelling watch for horror enthusiasts.
How long is On Screen!: Shivers?
The film runs for 47 minutes.
About On Screen!: Shivers (2008) — Cronenberg's Early Horror Masterpiece Explored
Dive into *On Screen!: Shivers* (2008), a gripping 47-minute deep-dive into the early career of Canadian horror auteur David Cronenberg. This debut feature isn't just a showcase for Cronenberg's unsettling vision—it's a masterclass in how a young filmmaker explores the darker side of human desire and scientific ambition. The film follows medical professor Dr. Hobbes, whose experiment with a genetically engineered parasite spirals into chaos when the aphrodisiac-producing organism escapes control, spreading through a residential community like a contagious wave of primal urges. With its eerie atmosphere and themes of bodily transformation and societal breakdown, *On Screen!: Shivers* sets the stage for Cronenberg's signature blend of psychological horror and visceral storytelling.
Starring Cronenberg himself alongside industry veterans Joe Blasco and Ivan Reitman, this short film captures the raw energy of a director finding his voice. The tension builds as the parasite's influence turns a tranquil setting into a hotbed of uncontrollable passion and violence, leaving audiences to question the fine line between progress and peril. A must-watch for fans of cult horror, *On Screen!: Shivers* offers a concise yet impactful glimpse into Cronenberg's early genius.