The Righteous

Written , directed and starring Mark O'Brien, a favorite actor of mine, The Righteous is an excellent film that at times soars, due to some superb acting, a great script and gorgeous B&W cinematography. When a movie relies on very little action and lots of conversation, you need to give the audience something great and interesting to listen to and film it well. This movie does both. The problem with the film is that it leaves you with some questions, certain angles in this are not made clear and it doesn't always hit the high notes. The best scenes by far are the ones between O'Brien and Czerny, these scenes are mesmerizing. Both are wonderful actors and in top notch form here. One of the best new films I've seen lately. I wish more film makers were daring enough to film in gorgeous B&W.

1) I believe that this movie is more like a religious experience than a story about loss and guilt. I don't think it is ambiguous, there is only one explanation. In any case, regardless if i am right or wrong, there are many layers here, Existentialism, Metaphysics, God and, simultaneously, the absence of God. Pick your poison.

2) This is a psychological/dialogue driven drama with mystery and horror elements. If you are looking for mindless fun/gore/people killing each other, you will not like it. You will probably don't like it either if you are under 25 years old or if you don't like movies with religious tone. Filmed in black and white, there are many intense and thrilling moments if you are into this kind of movies. Actors and actresses are excellent, cinematography too.

3) I can understand why the ending is polarizing. I found it great, it's a great and appropriate ending for this movie.

It's not a flawless movie, i would prefer it longer, 90 plus minutes aren't enough for this story to be told and unfold. Some scenes ended abruptly while it was getting interesting. But, overall, it was very interesting and most importantly, somewhat original. I wish other directors can be so bold and courageous in this genre, down the road.

I have mixed feelings about this one. First, the pros. It looks incredible, cinematography is stunning through the entire picture. I also really enjoyed the tension building throughout. Plot and tone-wise it reminded me a lot of Brimstone and Treacle, or the more obvious Night of the Hunter. The music was well crafted and helps immensely in building the tone of the film. And for the most part I thought all of the performances were great. But...

I wasn't a fan of Mark O'Brien's performance overall. It felt a little forced at times and his glossy eyed bad boy just didn't work for me. There were also issues with the plot, mostly small stuff but I also found the final act to be a little too short on information. Obviously that's intentional but I feel too much was left unsaid about what exactly is happening.

Overall, definitely worth a watch if you're into slow-burn tension filled occult/folk horror. But you may be disappointed with where it all ends up.

Interesting Indie movie, shot god knows where. Maybe in Pennsylvania where maestro M. Night shoots his films. Well this amazing film (shot in BW) reminded me of Bergman and Woody Allen (go figure). Overall I loved the feel of this film and it's signature acting by the four main leads. Frederick, Aaron, Ethel plus 1. I love the camera work, the various shots, the starkness of a Pennsylvania forest; the POC police woman. Bubbling anticipation to see what developes. Hallelujah. Well, all of the characters were very interesting but I don't want to put any spoilers here. The movie cost me two dollars on YouTube and it was worth it because I love in the films and I love the black-and-white aspect of these films and the dialogue was really good.

A well written, well acted and well directed tale of personal horror, of loss, of abandonment, of the inequities of the human soul. Yes, I found this very good, not a comfortable film, but one of excellence.