The Sacrament

Year: 2013
Genre: Horror thriller
Director: Ti West


Plot: A documentary crew travel to a remote community called Eden Parish for a story, only to discover that the so-called paradise isn't as it seems.


The gist: Eli Roth produces this found footage picture shot in documentary style by Ti West, following a crew from VICE who travel to a remote community with a man looking for his sister who happens to be living there. It's only accessible by helicopter and guarded by armed men.

Once there, the crew meet the man's sister who warmly welcomes them, and subsequently introduces them to Father, the leader of the community. Interviews with Father and several members of the community seem convincingly positive, though the feel that something sinister is lurking exists. Then a sudden call for help throws things out of order and the crew find themselves in danger.

This story is heavily influenced by the Jonestown massacre in 1978, and while I am not well informed on the subject, I can say that this film for the most part, works well as a thriller, even though it takes a while for it to get going. Once the shit hits the fan, the tension and suspense is quite palpable.


The good: Performances from the cast are generally good, but special credit goes to Gene Jones who makes Father seem kind and disarming at the same time. The camerawork is also surprisingly good considering that this is found footage stuff.


The bad: The editing exposes a few lapses of logic here and there, and the camera angles seem too perfect in moments when the guy holding it clearly isn't shooting.


Verdict: The Sacrament is a good alternative in found footage horror, as in it doesn't rely on the usual tricks made famous by The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity. Worth a look at. (7/10)