I Joined a Cult

As a horror aficionado you gotta appreciate when the low budget films give it their all and offer something unique. The main character is going through an internal struggle that manifests outwardly and we get a front row seat in her bipolar rollercoaster of emotions through what might be termed a "religious experience". The length clocks in on the shorter side at a svelte 70-something minutes, but it seems to fit the story they're trying to tell. There are some parts of the story I would have liked to see clarified or resolved better, but overall it hit the spot and it was nice to see a found footage horror film, you don't see enough of them get made these days.

I like films about cults and other than documentaries they are usually low budget and not so good which is why this was a nice find. After watching the trailer, I decided that the film makers had at least done some research on how cults work. It was different in that the cult found their purpose was to speak with the dead, but it worked. I think it mainly worked because of the solid performances which I find rare in low budget films, but this was very watchable. I wonder what they could have done with a bigger budget. As per the usual I had to suspend belief a time or two, but it all worked and was fun.

"I Joined a Cult" is an indie found footage film with heart - it delivers a compelling mix of tension, emotion, and raw authenticity. The standout is the lead's phenomenal performance, bringing depth to themes of faith, religion, and mental health.

The cult's allure feels disturbingly real, thanks to the magnetic, unsettling leader. The found footage style immerses you in every uneasy moment, though the pacing drags slightly at times. While the film won't wow you with it's production value, the concepts presented in the story, the acting, and its thoughtful exploration of vulnerability and belief makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of the horror and found footage genres.

Without doubt, the worst movie I have ever seen.

All of the actors seem like they've never worked before and should never work again, for the sake of cinema.

The script was awful, the dialogue was awful.

It was hard to tell if a character made me uncomfortable because they were creepy or just awful actors.

I've never found myself checking how long was left so many times in an hour.

The ending was terrible, didn't seem to resolve anything.

The leading actress was capable of a single facial expression, was unlikeable and irredeemable.

Also how did no one notice the face she planted very obvious cameras in the house...

This movie was a blast to watch. The cast delivered a truly compelling ensemble performance, spearheaded by a powerful female lead who brilliantly portrays a complicated, flawed, and layered character you can't take your eyes off.

While watching, I found myself reminded of performers like Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Bruce Campbell, and Mia Farrow-all of whom made early career credits in the low-fi horror genre. I'm eager to see what comes next for this cast and these filmmakers, and I don't doubt that it will also be a pleasure to watch.

If you only like the MCU, bloated remakes, or movies starring The Rock and Sydney Sweeney, skip it. However, if you enjoy cults, found footage, and getting an early front-row view of budding careers, Prime it now.