Children of Sorrow

Desperate to discover what has become of her sister, Ellen (Hannah Levien) infiltrates Simon Leach's (Bill Oberst Jr.) cult. All she knows is that her sister was last seen joining his group in order to find herself, only to go missing after joining. Ellen is welcomed with open arms and although her initial intent is to search for her sister, she finds herself drawn to Simon's magnetic personality and message of love and acceptance. However what she soon discovers is that she, along with all of the cult's companionship-hungry members, are being manipulated to a more sinister and dark end than she could have predicted. Somewhat saved by a superb and haunting performance by Jaquelyn Johnson as Tracey. She is clearly destined for bigger and better roles.

I disagree with the negative reviews about this film. Children Of Sorrow is definitely not for the faint of heart. The film is a slow burner, but deeply gets inside your head and stays there. I just watched this film last night but I found myself thinking about how disturbing it was all day today. Children Of Sorrow successfully blends many genre techniques The Camera work is done in the "found footage" stylization which lends an intentionally uncomfortable reality to the experience. At times Children Of Sorrow lends itself towards the Slasher and Gore Film Genres, yet maintains an eerie psychological feel. It also had a tone of social commentary dealing with religion and social fears. The performances are good but the sociapathic Father Simon character portrayed brilliantly by Bill Oberst Jr. is haunting and psychologically disturbing. I admit at times certain parts were somewhat confusing and hard to follow. But as a whole I thought this was a very good Horror Film. One of the best to come out this year.

A group of distraught teenagers are lured to a "get better camp" by a self proclaimed pastor/counsellor who has a hidden agenda.

These teenagers have been majorly messed over so their minds are easily manipulated. The controlled diet and fears being preyed on play a factor as well.

This is one of those movies where everything happens in the last few minutes. Done in found footage fashion although it would have been scarier if you didn't see Simon's face(the cult leader).

I felt like I was at an 80 minute AA meeting the way they do the taped interviews and group interactions.

Unfortunately you have to pay attention to the boring first 80 minutes because subtle things and quick scenes put together the crux of his madness.

If you don't mind going up a steep hill for 80 minutes to have an 8 minute ride then you'll like this movie. But if you want action and fast forget it.

No one boldly goes where no ones gone before, but you won't mind it. Be warned though you have to watch a man with a semi use a desk drawer to reach climax.

Sickly, it would work better if it weren't in the found footage format, but back in 2012, it was the peak, it must have worked, in the style of a denunciation film, the deaths work well, the introduction is even pleasant, the outcome is great, and it criticizes the sects and / or people with a gift of oratory and high power of persuasion vs the psychological fragility of young people... Sick...

Just came here to low the rate, 4.2?? Ridiculous, this is trash, boring as hell, a disaster. Dont watch this even if you get paid to.

Plot? Trash Acting? Trash The only thing mediocre were the killings, but that doesnt even deserve a 2 star rate.