Directed by:
Zal BatmanglijCinematography:
Rachel MorrisonComposer:
Rostam BatmanglijCast:
Christopher Denham, Nicole Vicius, Brit Marling, Jacob Price, Raelyn Tepper, Matthew Carey, Christy Meyers, Constance Wu, Tonita Castro, Jack Griffo (more)Plots(1)
Aspiring documentary filmmakers Peter (Christopher Denham) and Lorna (Nicole Vicius) infiltrate a secret sect in order to expose Maggie (Brit Marling), the cult's charismatic leader. Intrigued by rumours about the cult, whose leader claims to be from the future, Peter and Lorna soon find themselves being led blindfold to a house in the San Fernando Valley. There, under the watchful eye of follower Klaus (Richard Wharton), the pair are finally introduced to a barefoot, linen-clad Maggie, who recounts her tale of how she was sent back from the year 2054 to warn a select few of the disaster about to unfold. Over the coming days and weeks the pair's initial scepticism begins to wane, as, for entirely different reasons, they both begin to fall under Maggie's strangely mesmerising spell. (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (2)
Brit Marling is truly a charismatic and attractive actress equipped with a decent dose of talent, and she perfectly fits into her role as the cult leader. The director is not a novice and knows what he wants to achieve. The problem is that I am not the right type of viewer for his artistic intent. I have a clearly defined opinion on the functioning of religious cults, where there is no place for games, where the boundary between reality and the world of occult forces and mysteries begins. For me, Maggie is a manipulator, not a mystery or a myth. Overall impression: 60%.
()
Excellent mysterious drama with a touch of sect thriller. Slow pace, many questions, few answers. Very good actors and a well chosen title that fits the twist. Worthy of attention as a feature directorial début. Lovers of the indie scene will rejoice. Pop-corn eaters will suffer.
()