Follow the Prophet

Follow the Prophet is a 2009 drama film directed by Drew Ann Rosenberg, starring Robert Chimento, Diane Venora, and Annie B. Compton. The film takes place in Utah, where a young man named Micah (Chimento) struggles to find his identity and purpose in life after leaving his polygamist community.

Micah is the son of the community's leader, Warren (Tom Saiz), and has grown up surrounded by his father's multiple wives and dozens of half-siblings. But as he enters young adulthood, Micah begins to question the beliefs and practices of his community, especially after falling in love with a girl named Emily (Compton) who is not part of the polygamist lifestyle.

Warren is not pleased with Micah's choices and exiles him from the community, leaving Micah to try and make a life for himself in the outside world. He finds work as a janitor at a local university, where he meets a professor named Joan (Venora) who takes an interest in his story and offers him guidance.

The film explores themes of identity, family, and religion as Micah tries to navigate the complexities of the world outside the only community he has ever known. As he struggles to find his place in society, he also faces backlash and discrimination from those who view his former lifestyle as backwards and dangerous.

Overall, Follow the Prophet presents a thought-provoking and emotional portrait of a young man's journey towards self-discovery and independence. The performances are strong, particularly from Chimento as the conflicted and earnest Micah, and the cinematography captures the beauty and isolation of the Utah landscape. The film offers a nuanced exploration of the complexities of religious and cultural practices and their impact on personal identity, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in these themes.

While the film may not appeal to all audiences due to its heavy themes and slow pace, those looking for a character-driven drama with depth and heart will find much to appreciate in Follow the Prophet.