Shaman

I think sometimes we get a little bit too spoiled with special effects and we take for granted how less is more. The movie had a good story line, character development was indeed scarce but they made up for it by painting a picture of why these people were in Ecuador. I think that did a really good job grasping the struggle between forced Christianity in parts of the world and also the fact that using things like food and clothing can persuade people to convert. But what happens when the Christian god is quiet and people have to call upon the old ways of their people? That's the question this movie answers and aside from the fact they did a damn good job explaining that, it was shot in Ecuador and completely captured the setting for it. Add to that the fact that the acting was pretty decent and boom we have 6 stars possibly even 7. They used real life situations to execute supernatural possibilities. What more can you ask for in a possession movie? Spinning heads? Contorting bodies? Pea soup? Stop being so spoiled and enjoy a well told horror movie.

Firstly, the poor ratings from other user reviews can be well understood as people following a certain faith will feel their god being deemed less powerful.

This movie has an honest take about the old days when missionaries were trying to advertise their gods all around the globe and make claims about uplifting native lives after acceptance of their god.

Although majority would interpret the movie would go along the lines of defining the Shaman as bad person, this movie makes a complete turn and puts the light on what the real evil looks like.

This movie puts the other religious horror to shame, where you just show a cross or some holy artifact and the evil runs away like a scared kid. The best part is, if evil exists in this world then it cannot be undone, and it prevails.

There is a reason a movie like "The Exorcist" is a classic and movies like Shaman are extremely pale imitations. The Exorcist was well written with Oscar worthy performances. Shaman is just not compellingly written and the acting is poor to say the least. This is a horror movie that relies on loads of quick hallucination scares and the this new trick, let's throw in many sudden loud sounds. Jump scares are plenty but none of it is scary or suspenseful. The shame is, the story had real potential with good cinematography but a good movie needs great, interesting dialogue and performances to match. The directing was bland. At times I felt like I was watching some old TV movie. Jett Klyne was not good and Sara Canning could not carry this film. The Latin actors were definitely better than the leads but be warned this is another new film shot in 2 languages , as if this makes it more authentic. An authentic possession film, why bother ? If you must see one more possession/exorcism film, well here it is, but there isn't one thing memorable about this.

This had some creepy parts and a few jump scares. It was also quite intense at times as well. It was like a slow burn sort of horror movie and it worked for me! The acting was pretty decent as well. It wasn't perfect but I've definitely seen worse. All in all, I enjoyed it and would watch it over again.

Must confess I was kinda screwed up for YEARS by "The Exorcist". This one has similar vibes, but much milder. Its missionaries in an area that has / had its own Native South American Spirits... and the people very much believe their Medicine Man can cure their ailments with white magic, and animal sacrifices, not unlike "The Believers" (Sangria) then a lesser degree "Serpent and the Rainbow", "Angel Heart" that are MAJOR movies, in a league of their own, quality wise... but similar vibes, although "Shaman", like Exorcist, has more focus on the kid. Lots of actors screaming and audience jump scares, if you are into that, you will enjoy this movie. It MAY even leave a little something in your brain, afterwards... but NOT as much as "The Woman in Black" (1989). That one may kill you.