I Joined a Cult

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 am writing this review as a a PSA, in fact, I'm writing this review as a way to save lives. This movie was hot garbage, and this is coming from someone who is not hard to please when it comes to Found Footage movies. The special effects, we're essentially non-existent, and a few times where special effects were needed, they were so poorly done that it looked comical. There are low budget movies, but in this case, it was a no budget movie. The acting? Very poor, very rigid, and one of the characters literally sounded like he was reading off of a piece of paper, that's how bad it was. And the ending? What the hell was that? Was that supposed to be a twist? Because if so, it was literally telegraphed in the first half of the movie. What a let down. You watch the movie waiting for something to happen, and nothing happens. I am all for low budget horror, I've seen at least a couple hundred or more low budget horror movies, but this one has to be the worst I've ever seen. The only redeeming quality this movie has is its run time which is a little over an hour and 10 minutes, an hour and 10 minutes which, unfortunately I will never get back.

I'm not quite sure how to start with this one. It's an indie horror about a journalist who, as the title suggests joins a cult.

The set up isn't long and we find out the lead is suffering from loss, very stubborn and pretty annoying. I think it would probably have helped if she was a little less of both the latter things because it limited the sympathy I had for her.

However the actual story, on obviously a very low budget, is pretty good and the acting and script was fine.

It's a pity they couldn't have set it somewhere a bit creepier but I get that that's probably budget related.

Anyway it's not too long and definitely worth watching if you like this sort of thing although in no way a hidden gem or anything out of the ordinary (Few movies are, budget or not)

Score

+2 Filming and sound +1 Content and acting +1 Decent story.

+1 They actually made a movie.

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...

"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.