In a Nutshell. Mini reviews of movies old and new. No fuss. No spoilers. And often no sleep.

Friday 12 September 2014

THE SACRAMENT [2013]

Ti West has become a very accomplished indie-horror film-maker who is constantly changing up his style for each film so it comes as no surprise to see him tackle the found footage genre with The Sacrament.
Heavily inspired by the 1978 Jonestown Massacre, West gathers together his usual mumblecore horror team to tell the story of a hidden religious cult community documented by VICE magazine.  West builds up the tension and uber-creepy atmosphere through monologues and vague promises of hope and love.  Gene Jones delivers a fantastic performance as the cult leader that gives answers in such an influential manner that even I had problems thinking of a quick rebuttal to.  The final thirty minutes is deeply unsettling whether you know what is going to happen or not, making it incredibly difficult to shake off even in broad daylight.  It never offers any real explanation or answers but simply speculates the hidden horrors that unfold.

3½ cups of Kool-Aid out of 5

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