It's no secret that I love horror movies. No, let me elaborate: I love GOOD horror movies. They don't even have to be super scary. They just have to have a hint of creepiness without being overly gory, one or two likable characters to root for survival, and an interesting, unique concept that hasn't been redone or remade 100 times. It's rare to find a horror film that is truly terrifying, one that keeps you up at night and makes you thankful you don't live alone.
"The Sacrament" is a horror film that most have not heard of, which is a real shame and disservice to those who like all types of movies, not just those that fall under the horror genre. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival and then had a limited theatrical release, premiering on video on demand just a month before. With proper advertising and strong word of mouth, this film really could have skyrocketed.
The film effectively uses the found-footage technique to tell the story of Jake, Sam, and Patrick, a news team that covers stories not seen in typical media formats. Patrick's brother Caroline, a former addict who has recently traveled and moved out of the country, invites him to visit her where she lives, a small community shut out from the outside world called Eden Parish. Sam and Jake travel with him to document the trip with cameras in hand, seeing it as an opportunity for a news story. As they arrive, the people who live in this community appear extremely happy with their new lifestyle and claim their new situation as life-changing and the best thing that has ever happened to them. They claim the man in charge, known only as "Father," is their savior-he knows all and has saved them from the cruelties of the outside world.
So far, this does not sound anything like a horror film, but there is trouble in "paradise." The film does a tremendous job of building up tension and dread. Many have stated that the film has a very slow build-up, but I could not disagree more. When the news team first arrive, they are greeted by men armed with guns, yet later on, "Father" is speaking about how peaceful everything is and dodges questions about this unconventional welcome. Most of the people who are interviewed are so elated with their new lifestyle, you have to wonder what their deal is. Are they truly happy? Are they brainwashed? What is with the girl who cannot speak and her mother? What is so special about "Father" that makes the people worship him like he is the ultimate savior?
The ultimate goal of "Father" and the community is revealed in the final 30 minutes, and I have to say that the finale possesses some of the most disturbing imagery I have seen in film. Without hardly any blood spilled, the viewer is in complete shock of what is being presented. You really can't believe what is happening, but at the same time, you can't take your eyes off of the film. If you are easily scared or can't stomach truly frightening death scenes, this is not the film for you.
Although this film is based on the real-life Jamestown Massacre, it is truly original compared to other horror films that have been released recently. Considering Eli Roth's name is attached to it, I would have expected buckets of blood and guts, but instead, we get genuine scares without the gore. Each of the three main characters are all smart, likable guys who I would be friends with in real life. You want them all to make it out of this situation alive. That is very rare in horror films ( I know that sounds awful, but you have to admit, there are always characters who you can't wait to see get killed off, and it is usually one of the main characters).
As we enter October and Halloween season, I encourage you to use your Netflix subscription wisely and watch this film. It is depressing to think that it barely made it into theaters. To me, this is an instant horror classic, one that should not be missed by horror film enthusiasts, those who like a good scare, or those who enjoy intelligent films.
"The Sacrament" is a horror film that most have not heard of, which is a real shame and disservice to those who like all types of movies, not just those that fall under the horror genre. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival and then had a limited theatrical release, premiering on video on demand just a month before. With proper advertising and strong word of mouth, this film really could have skyrocketed.
The film effectively uses the found-footage technique to tell the story of Jake, Sam, and Patrick, a news team that covers stories not seen in typical media formats. Patrick's brother Caroline, a former addict who has recently traveled and moved out of the country, invites him to visit her where she lives, a small community shut out from the outside world called Eden Parish. Sam and Jake travel with him to document the trip with cameras in hand, seeing it as an opportunity for a news story. As they arrive, the people who live in this community appear extremely happy with their new lifestyle and claim their new situation as life-changing and the best thing that has ever happened to them. They claim the man in charge, known only as "Father," is their savior-he knows all and has saved them from the cruelties of the outside world.
So far, this does not sound anything like a horror film, but there is trouble in "paradise." The film does a tremendous job of building up tension and dread. Many have stated that the film has a very slow build-up, but I could not disagree more. When the news team first arrive, they are greeted by men armed with guns, yet later on, "Father" is speaking about how peaceful everything is and dodges questions about this unconventional welcome. Most of the people who are interviewed are so elated with their new lifestyle, you have to wonder what their deal is. Are they truly happy? Are they brainwashed? What is with the girl who cannot speak and her mother? What is so special about "Father" that makes the people worship him like he is the ultimate savior?
The ultimate goal of "Father" and the community is revealed in the final 30 minutes, and I have to say that the finale possesses some of the most disturbing imagery I have seen in film. Without hardly any blood spilled, the viewer is in complete shock of what is being presented. You really can't believe what is happening, but at the same time, you can't take your eyes off of the film. If you are easily scared or can't stomach truly frightening death scenes, this is not the film for you.
Although this film is based on the real-life Jamestown Massacre, it is truly original compared to other horror films that have been released recently. Considering Eli Roth's name is attached to it, I would have expected buckets of blood and guts, but instead, we get genuine scares without the gore. Each of the three main characters are all smart, likable guys who I would be friends with in real life. You want them all to make it out of this situation alive. That is very rare in horror films ( I know that sounds awful, but you have to admit, there are always characters who you can't wait to see get killed off, and it is usually one of the main characters).
As we enter October and Halloween season, I encourage you to use your Netflix subscription wisely and watch this film. It is depressing to think that it barely made it into theaters. To me, this is an instant horror classic, one that should not be missed by horror film enthusiasts, those who like a good scare, or those who enjoy intelligent films.