Released to video in 2002 and directed by Andre Van Heerden, "Deceived" is a sci-fi/drama in the mold of 1997's "Contact" or 2003's "Alien Hunter" except that it's decidedly a 'B' production with several comic book caricatures rather than characters. Although, thankfully, there are a few likable and realistic characters, like the ones played by Michelle Nolden and Judd Nelson. The story centers around seven people who meet at a remote observatory in the mountains after contact from (presumably) space has finally been made. But something weird and eerie is going on and they might not make it out alive.
While this is a Christian production, the ideology doesn't become a factor in the story until the third act and it ties into the reality behind the strange phenomena happening at the observatory. The production quality is akin the the typical comic booky Syfy movie, but without any palpable monster. As noted above, at least three of the characters are over-the-top caricatures -- the new ager masquerading as a reverend (Jefferson Mappin), the colonel (Louis Gossett Jr.) and the hot reporter (Deborah Odell). Stewart Bick and Ramona Milano complete the main cast.
There are kinks in the script that needed worked out and so the story flow is uneven at times and lacks suspense build-up. But I liked the confined environment and the interplay between the characters. All the main actors (not the peripheral ones) take the material seriously and give their best, despite some campy elements, which was the script's issue, not the actors.
Several other things impressed me. For one, this ain't no conventional Christian movie. Despite its low-budget, it's ambitious and has a unique plot. The three females cast members are all beautiful in their own way, with Ramona standing out, but they're each exquisite. The images of Kara (Odell) holding a candle in the dark tunnel are striking.
Then there's the interesting way the Reverend is depicted: At first glance you'd think he's a Southern Baptist preacher, but it becomes clear that this isn't the case. He's a New Ager, but he's not really a hypocrite in that he really believes what he says and is even shown practicing what he preaches, which isn't to say that he's without flaws. He's obviously a glutton, for instance. Speaking of which, it seems like the screenwriter tried to implement the seven deadly sins into the story but, if so, it was half-hearted. Lastly, as cited above, the character of Smitty and her possible relationship with the computer geek, Jack, is compelling. Smitty is the sole Christian character and I like the way she's portrayed as sincere, but flawed; and walking in some morally-conflicting situations, like working for Shaw (Bick), a company whose goal contradicts her belief system.
The movie runs 95 minutes and was shot in Toronto, Canada, substituting for the Sierra Nevadas in California.
GRADE: C+ (5.5/10)
