The film starts in 1905, where Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens), a former missionary, discovers that his sister, Jennifer, has been kidnapped and held for ransom on an Island by a mysterious cult. In other to rescue her, he disguises as a member, to be able to get onto the Island.
Prophet Malcolm (Michael Sheen) is the leader of the cult who believes that he was divinely guided to create a society that would be a paradise here on earth, but beneath the surface, is something so gory, so evil.
Upon arrival, Thomas learns that the cult worships a mysterious goddess tied to the land which needs blood to go green, and more blood to grow the crops. He also learns that the goddess was imprisoned by the cult leaders, Prophet Malcolm and his two friends, Frank and Quinn, who drain her blood in a cruel ritual to fertilize the land and to build their control by exploiting her powers. This is the way the goddess is believed to bless the Island’s soil, thereby making it fertile and sustaining the community.
But now the goddess is getting old and cannot produce enough of it, so the crops are failing, and the cult is struggling to survive.
The land will become fertile again through blood sacrifice.
Now Thomas is captured and tortured by Quinn but during his ordeal, he experiences visions of the goddess and her painful suffering.
Then what happens next......,..?
My review;
Apostle is a grim and thought-provoking film especially as it touches on the issues of religion, human corruption and fanaticism. It is a blend of folk horror with psychological and supernatural elements. Man corrupts religion and power-hungry men produce fanatics, blind followers who would rather descend into chaos than see through their religious leaders' deception. These are hostages of religion! Contains gruesome scenes that made me squirm, a very oppressive and gloomy environment.
Yes, the cinematography is awesome; good camera movements, environment, colors, all well done but Dan Stevens acted so dumb and insensible that I started wondering if he was intelligent enough for that rescue mission.
It was a very great watch, squirmish yes, but great, I rate it a 7.5/10
I am @edith-4angelseu and thank you for stopping by my neighbourhood.
