Film Review - The Heretics

Gloria (Nina Kiri) the centre piece of a group cult sacrifice has not suffered any side effect of the event going on five years. She has a devoted girlfriend Joan (Jorja Cadence) who is willing to accept her despite her scars both physical and emotional due to that traumatic event. Still unsure of the reasons for that episode she is abducted by Thomas (Ry Barrett) on the eve of the current Locus Moon. Thomas takes her to a remote cabin deep in the woods where as the Locust Moon rises Gloria begins to undergo physical transformations.

Director Chad Archibald continues his exploration of the body horror realm that he pushed boundaries in with Bite. Again it's a female character thats the focus of the transformation, she's confirmed to a small space and the confirmation is both messy and painful sparked by an inner entity. Cinematographer Jeff Maher return to produce that shiny golden familiar nighttime hue that is a staple of the Black Fawn universe. The narrative is deliberate, developing slowly with just enough twist to keep the viewer guessing.

The ensemble cast embrace their roles. Ry Barrett turns in another solid anti-hero role as Thomas. Newcomer Jorja Cadence has perhaps the most to do as Joan. She fiercely hunts for her missing partner willing to use any means necessary to extract information for someone who she thinks could supply a lead. Nina Kiri gives a storm physical performance as Gloria. She's chained to a wall sitting on the floor for a good part of the film. Only moving when a new hole protrudes from her body to reveal a new appendage or black puss oozes from a pore.

The Heretics features a shifting narrative that's a strong entry into the body horror genre. The nimble actors roll with their every changing fates backed by visuals and makeup effects that will draw in the horror enthusiasts. Chad Archibald commands the set with a steady hand producing a tightly packaged film that I can recommend.

*** Out of 4.

The Heretics | Chad Archibald | Canada | 2017 | 87 Minutes.

Tags: Cult, Abduction, Locus Moon, Ritual, Sacrifice, Mass Suicide, Demon, Winnebago, Shotgun, Black Fawn Films.