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| Images Courtesy of Cranked Up Films |
Religious horror has always been an interesting and
exciting cinematic genre to explore. Various films have been made that
involve faith and terrors both supernatural and mundane. Kyle McConaghy's
thrilling solo debut feature film, Sheeps Clothing is an extremely
interesting approach to faith and the horrors that sometimes lurk within.
Featuring a brilliant pair of leading performances, uncharacteristically potent
visuals, and a slick refutation of spiritual leaders who use their positions to
manipulate and mislead their followers, this is one of the most compelling
films of the year thus far.
Mansa is a high school principal, who, after a violent attack is left severely impaired,
eventually finding work as a video tech for a small church in his
community. In the wake of a tragic incident, Mansa is conscripted by the
pastor into a cover up, and quite possibly his own damnation. Aaron Phifer
(Mansa), Nick Heyman (Pastor), and McConaghy cowrote the script, including the
non-typo title. At its core, this is a two-person film, and Mansa and Heyman
play off of each other's energy masterfully, with vulnerabilities ebbing and
flowing between them at the drop of a dime. Mansa's transformation from
confident educator to wounded survivor is both heartbreaking and resplendent, a
true reflection of Phifer's commitment to the material, especially during the final
act.
Heyman is the perfect foil and perhaps the most insidious part of the narrative. One of the best aspects of not only his performance but the film in general is that it inches close to on the nose territory but thankfully never fully dives in. There is a mystery overtop the sad and true horrors of humanity. Devoid of supernatural creatures this is the kind of story that reminds us that man is the most cruel and vicious monster in creation. The cinematography is perhaps the most divisive element, simultaneously revealing the budget but also embracing the idea of false prophets and empty promises. Grainy textures abound and as the story takes interest turn after turn, the lonely blues and dark shadows encroach on the characters, reminding the viewer that there is truly no escape.
This is a story about guilt, manipulation and ultimately acceptance, both of the things we can and cannot control and the horror of confronting our own sins. The end result is a gripping and intriguing foray into the world of small religious communities. Sheeps Clothing is now available for digital rental on every platform. Memorable performances form the backbone of what would have been a forgettable experience, but as a result of such talented performers, it becomes an engrossing exploration of loss and survival.
--Kyle Jonathan