The Believers

The Believers is a 1987 horror movie that features Martin Sheen, Helen Shaver, and Harley Cross in the leading roles. The movie starts with a new arrival in the city, a psychiatrist named Cal Jamison (Martin Sheen), who is determined to start his practice and rebuild his life after the sudden death of his wife. But soon, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is drawn into a terrifying world of voodoo rituals and human sacrifices.

The story revolves around the murders of several children, with their mutilated bodies found in different parts of the city. The police are baffled as there are no clues, no suspects, and no motives. However, Cal receives a new patient named Chris, a troubled child who has been traumatized by the sudden death of his nanny. As Cal tries to help Chris overcome his fear and grief, he starts to realize that the boy might have witnessed something terrible that resulted in the death of his nanny.

At the same time, Cal befriends a new neighbor, Jessica Halliday (Helen Shaver), who is the editor of a magazine that specializes in debunking false religions and cults. She is skeptical of Cal's theories about voodoo and sacrifices, but after a series of inexplicable events, she begins to believe that there might be a darker force at work.

Soon, Cal and Jessica find themselves investigating a cult that has infiltrated the city, and they discover a sinister plot to use the children's bodies in a voodoo ritual that will give the cult members great power. With time running out, Cal and Jessica must race against the clock to prevent the cult from fulfilling its evil agenda.

The movie is dark, intense, and suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Martin Sheen delivers a strong performance as Cal, a man struggling with his grief and haunted by his past. Helen Shaver is also excellent as the skeptical journalist who becomes a believer in the supernatural. Harley Cross, who plays Chris, is convincing as the traumatized child who holds the key to the mystery.

The Believers also features a powerful soundtrack by composer J. Peter Robinson, which adds to the movie's eerie atmosphere. The movie was directed by John Schlesinger, a British filmmaker known for his work on the classic movies Midnight Cowboy and Marathon Man.

Overall, The Believers is a well-crafted horror movie that blends elements of voodoo, cults, and supernatural thriller with a dash of mystery. It is a testament to the talents of the cast and crew, and an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre.