The Faith Community

The Faith Community is a 2017 horror film that brilliantly marries the aura of Blair-witch style found-footage with an intriguing take on religious cult behavior. The movie is directed by talented filmmaker Faith R. Johnson, and stars Oliver Palmer, Jeffrey Brabant, and Janessa Floyd, who showcase their acting prowess through power-packed performances.

The movie's gripping premise navigates through the journey of three film students—Hannah (Janessa Floyd), Andrew (Jeffery Brabant), and Oliver (Oliver Palmer). This trio embarks on a project to create a documentary about the enigmatic Church of God’s Righteous Kingdom, a secluded Christian religious commune located in the outskirts of a remote town.

Their main objective is to document the alleged prophecy foretold by their leader, Father Simon (played by Jeremy Harris). This prophecy predicts the spiritual and physical 'birthing' of God on earth, prophesied to happen on a specific date. As outsiders, they seek to uncover the truth behind this prophecy and offer a revealing look into this unusual faith community.

The found-footage aspect of The Faith Community intensifies the feeling of realism through its documentary-style. Initially, the film students are welcomed into the community with open arms and guided through the customs, rituals, and philosophies that govern the lives of the members. The cult that promises salvation may seem eccentric, yet harmless, but soon, as the story unfolds, it begins highlighting the eerie underpinnings that lie beneath.

With time, tension builds, as days near the arrival of the foretold prophecy date, leading to a crescendo of bubbling fear, suspicion, and unsettling revelations. The protagonists grapple with their growing anxiety and skepticism, reaching a point where they must decide whether to question their hosts or simply leave and abandon their documentary mid-way.

Through an unsettling lens, the film explores themes of fanaticism, faith, and fear, stimulating thought-provoking questions about belief systems, groupthink, and the extent people might go under the guise of religion. The characters display an array of human emotions, from curiosity and doubt to fear and disillusionment, painting a vivid picture of naiveté and manipulation.

Oliver Palmer, Jeffrey Brabant, and Janessa Floyd drive the story forward with convincing performances, drawing viewers into their characters' moral and existential dilemmas. The chemistry among the trio is palpable, further enhancing the storyline.

Jeremy Harris, as Father Simon, delivers an eerie performance that is both menacing and charismatic, sending chills down your spine. His portrayal digests the complexities of a cult leader, using a mixture of paternalistic charm, spiritual platitudes, and subtle coercion to sustain his grip on his followers.

The Faith Community leverages an effective horror effect, not through monsters or supernatural happenings but via presenting a sinister portrayal of a common societal phenomenon - religious fanaticism. The found-footage style adds to the chilling atmosphere, taking viewers on an intense journey teetering between faith and paranoia.

Every scene in this film is meticulously designed to heighten suspense and escalate the unease experienced by both characters and viewers. The rural setting becomes an ominous backdrop, hinting at the undercurrent of menace lurking within the seemingly peaceful community. The lack of a traditional musical score contributes to the building of dread within the film, complementing its faux-documentary style.

Although The Faith Community may share a niche with popular horror films using the device of found-footage, it sets itself apart with its unique narrative on the unsettling world of religious cults. Its success is built from its unique take on horror that thrives on suspense and fear, creating a pervasive sense of unease settling over you long after the credits roll. The film doesn’t just seek to surprise or scare; it aims to unsettle and provoke thought.

In a nutshell, the Faith Community is a bone-chilling narrative that combines the psychological, sociological, and horror genres, ultimately impressing audiences with a fresh-faced and thought-provoking twist to the horror movie formula. With its riveting performances and disturbing exposure of religious fanaticism, the film offers a thrilling experience that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the shocking finale.