Electrick Children

Electrick Children, a 2012 independent film written and directed by Rebecca Thomas, stars breakthrough actress Julia Garner alongside Liam Aiken and Billy Zane. The film provides an intriguing and somewhat surreal exploration of faith, belief, curiosity, and longing against the backdrop of a highly sheltered and devout religious community. The plot originates in a strict Mormon settlement in the vast deserts of southern Utah and then shifts dramatically to the contrasting lights and bustle of Las Vegas. The film's hypnotic narrative, compelling leads and stark contrasting scenery enables it to present an immersive viewing experience.

The story revolves around the life of Rachel, portrayed exceptionally by Julia Garner. She brings a tender innocence and captivating audacity to her role. Rachel is a naive 15-year-old girl who is living a sheltered life in a fundamentalist Mormon colony managed under the strict control of her father, played by Billy Zane. Her life is simple, bound by the rules of their religion and far from the complexities of the modern world until she encounters an unlikely catalyst - a cassette tape.

In an ignorant yet adventurous act, Rachel listens to a forbidden cassette tape that plays the classic song, “Hanging on the Telephone” by the Nerves. Convinced that the voice on the cassette is a miraculous manifestation of divine intervention - the voice of God himself, she interestingly associates her first-time exposure to music with an immaculate conception.

Rachel's belief that she's experienced a 'miraculous' event sets her onto a journey filled with curiosity, exploration, and self-discovery. With only her unwavering faith and a cassette tape, she leaves her home and ventures into the unknown, landing in the heart of Las Vegas. Along with her is her unquestioningly loyal and protective older brother, Mr. Will, played by Liam Aiken, who accompanies Rachel in her quest.

Upon their arrival in Las Vegas, Rachel and Mr. Will are introduced to peculiar worlds they had never imagined. Under the dazzling lights and vibrant city life, they encounter a group of street musicians led by Clyde, a brash yet charming young man who owns a red Mustang - another symbol of modernity and freedom in the film.

As the movie progresses, unbeknownst to themselves, Rachel, and also Mr. Will in his own way, undergo transformations due to their new experiences. Despite her steadfast belief in her miracle, Rachel's innocence slowly peels away as she faces the ambiguities of her faith, the disconnect between her previous life and her current realities, and even her shifting relationship with her brother.

Billy Zane skillfully portrays an overbearing yet sincere figure as Rachel’s father, expressing the tensions between maintaining religious control over the family and understanding the changing beliefs of his children. His physical journey from their secluded community to find Rachel in Las Vegas mirrors his personal and emotional journey as a patriarch trying to understand the changing relationships within his family and the evolving faith of his children.

Electrick Children is a visually pleasing narcotic dream that presents a coming-of-age narrative mixed with the intensity and bewilderment of faith, a magical journey of discovery set against the dichotomy of the austere strictness of a religious desert colony and the sparkling allure of the Sin City. The subtle yet vibrant color palettes of the two worlds paint a poignant picture of the stark contrast between them and contribute to the overall ambiance of the film.

Inspired by her own Mormon upbringing, Rebecca Thomas pitches a compelling narrative, capturing the innocent curiosity of youth with a surrealistic approach. Her film serves as an exploration of the contrast between the ancient beliefs and rituals of religion and the modern world of sin, music, and liberation.

In sum, Electrick Children is a dreamy exploration of faith and belief, an evocative portrait of adolescence, an aesthetic marvel, and most importantly, it is a story of a young girl navigating her awakening in a world much larger and more complex than she ever imagined. The film’s underlying themes of belief, self-discovery, rebellion, and unconventional faith set it apart in the realm of indie movies.