Conjuring the Cult

This was a film that I got the chance to see via screener thanks to Susan over at Breaking Glass Pictures. What is interesting here is that I know of the writer/director, Calvin Morie McCarthy, as he's a listener of a podcast that I also do. That would be the 22 Shots of Moodz and Horror. He's been on an episode so I knew he was a filmmaker. Seeing that this one a film from him, that intrigued me more to check out. The title also piqued my interest.

Synopsis: after discovering his blood-soaked daughter dead in the bathtub, David Bryson (Neil Green) attends a self-help group to help save him from his ghostly nightmares. When a group of mysterious cult-like women offer to help him, his choice will not just decide his fate, but the fate of his dead daughter's soul.

Now we start this by seeing our lead, David, as he makes his way home. It is going upstairs to the bathroom that he finds his daughter like in the synopsis. This wrecks his life and he blames himself. He is married to Michelle (Elissa Dowling), but due to what's happened she has moved out. This is a classic idea here where a tragedy like this drives a couple apart.

David's grief doesn't allow him to give up though. He goes to the group that is led by a counselor, played by BJ Mezek. They want him to come to terms with what happened and not blame himself. David is struggling with nightmares that are surreal. It is variations on things where he'll find his daughter, Masha (Chynna Rae Shurts), still alive or he will find her how he did that fateful day. David is approached by Khila (Michelle Coman Padron) and her group of friends. They dress all in black and we'll learn that they're witches. They offer a different type of help that David declines. He is using a Ouija board, trying to communicate with his daughter.

Michelle does still care about her husband. She questions things that he's doing though. Once she sees the Ouija board. She also comes over to get her mail and finds the group of women at his place. There is also another point where David calls her and she accuses him of reaching out to Casey (Daisia Parker), who was a friend of their daughter. Things take odd turns though where David isn't sure what is real or what is a nightmare. He also breaks down, seeking the aid of this group of women, only to find that they might not be able to help him. There is a strange cult that is following him, which could make things even worse.

That is where I'll leave my recap and introduction to the characters. Where I want to start is that this is a solid, atmospheric film. What works here is that you can tell this production didn't have the largest budget, but they're using what they have available to them and I can appreciate that. What checks boxes for me as well is having witches, a cult and doing rituals. That is enough to hook me in.

Now that I've set that up, let me delve deeper here. This is a character study in a way since we're mostly following David as he navigates his grief. What I could connect with is that I have a daughter. She isn't the age of Masha, but I still know that I could be devastated if anything happened to her. I would probably blame myself as well. Seeing what he is doing to communicate with her and how this grows into him wanting to bring her back is good. There is heart and emotion behind that. Things aren't all as they seem though either and I like the reveals that we got as we go. There were things that I guessed and it helps to explain. Not an issue, but just wanted to say that.

Then to develop from there, I do love this idea of this coven of witches. When we first meet them, they are mysterious. That's only because we are watching a horror movie. It is the more we learn about them that it steps over the line so credit there. They make an offer that David refuses at first. What I like there is that he doesn't believe and that feels real. There is an interesting sequence where a ritual was done and I didn't expect how that would play out. There are also secrets here that help develop the story.

Where I want to go next would be the acting, since this is a variation on the character study narrative. Green is solid here as our lead. What I like is that he comes off a bit aloof, even in his grief. I get the idea that he hasn't fully accepted what has happened. He is also blaming himself so instead of coming to terms, he is trying to find a solution. Dowling works as his ex-wife. There did seem to be a strain relationship there and the death of Masha was the great divide. Shurt works as that daughter. At first, it just seems that she's here to present a backstory. There's more here though as this goes on. Other than that, I like Padron and her group of friends. Parker, Marieka Prom, Brad Littlefield and Jason Brooks also helped to round this out for what was needed.

All that is left then is filmmaking. Now I've already said that this looks and feels bigger than its budget. That is a credit there. How this was shot is good. There are surreal vibes where we don't know what's a dream or what is real. We also don't know if David slips into a different world, like our own. I do enjoy that aspect so the cinematography and framing help that. The effects were solid. They went practically where they could. We got a monster later that was terrifying looking. I do believe there was CGI, but no issues there. Other than that, the soundtrack fit what was needed and the sound design was creepy as well.

In conclusion, I'm glad that I gave this a watch. Is it a great film? No, but for what they're able to do with their budget, I was impressed. This creates a good atmosphere. I'm also a sucker for films with a witch, cults and rituals, so that worked in its favor. There are story elements that I thought worked with how they were developed. I did guess one major one, but that doesn't hurt my experience. The acting was solid and I thought this was well made. Credit there to the cinematography, framing and soundtrack to help capture that atmosphere. I'd recommend this one if what I said are things that you enjoy. Solid little film to check out.

My Rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Conjuring the Cult offers a refreshing take on the horror genre with its unique premise and unpredictable storyline. The film follows David, a grieving father whose desperate quest for closure leads him to a mysterious cult promising resurrection. Despite operating on a modest budget, the film impressively avoids the pitfalls of predictability that often plague similar movies. Clever twists and well-timed reveals keep the audience engaged, making it a standout for its creative narrative and the genuine suspense it builds.

While the film's budget constraints are evident in some technical aspects, the solid storyline and strong performances, especially from the lead, compensate well. Conjuring the Cult manages to deliver an emotional punch and a thoughtful exploration of grief and hope, wrapped in a chilling supernatural plot. It's a testament to how effective storytelling paired with committed performances can elevate a film above its financial limitations, making it well worth the watch for fans looking for something beyond the usual horror tropes.

You will see many knowing nods to other films of the horror genre here. Insidious for the parallel spirit world, Ouija for the .....errr.....ouija board and The Craft for the witchcraft and the coven.

This is a low budget effort that has problems with its direction, cinematography, sound, editing, acting and script that can all be associated with with its thin wallet.

That being said, the first hour of the movie is quite effective at creating a foreboding atmosphere. The dream sequences are well done and the central actor is pretty good as the tormented father.

The movie falls off in the third act, which becomes quite incomprehensible.

This really does stand out as a gripping and intense supernatural horror film that masterfully intertwines psychological drama with chilling scenes. The story follows a heartbroken father unraveling the mysterious circumstances surrounding his daughter's apparent suicide, which leads him deep into a terrifying occult conspiracy involving her friends.

The film excels in gradually unveiling the malevolent motives of the cult, maintaining a tight grip on suspense throughout. The cinematography adds to the eerie atmosphere, perfectly complementing the tense storyline. The portrayal of the father's transformation from deep grief to stark terror is particularly striking, especially as the film builds to its climactic twists and turns.

Although the movie relies on dream sequences to depict the cult's eerie influence, this choice effectively heightens the sense of dread. Conjuring the Cult is a commendable addition to its genre, offering both horror aficionados and newcomers a thrilling cinematic experience.

This film excels in delivering a captivating and suspenseful narrative. One of the film's standout aspects is its cleverly structured buildup to a series of startling revelations involving a mysterious cult. The initial premise of the protagonist, led by grief to a support group, seamlessly transitions into his eerie encounters with a coven poised to enact a sinister plan. This progression is handled with a deft touch, providing just enough foreshadowing to pique interest without diminishing the impact of the surprises that follow.

The storyline weaves together these elements into a compelling tapestry of horror and suspense that keeps the viewer engaged. Although the film occasionally struggles with repetitive sequences, these moments are overshadowed by its strengths, particularly the effective use of haunting imagery and a robust, ominous atmosphere that grips the audience. Overall, Conjuring the Cult provides a thoroughly enjoyable and intriguing experience, marking it as a noteworthy addition to the horror genre.