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| Images Courtesy of Cranked Up Films |
Intolerance, more often than not comes by way of self-loathing,
often manifesting in some of the most terrifying and egregious ways imaginable.
Quinn Armstrong's powerful sophomore feature film, The Exorcism of
Saint Patrick, is the first in an anthology of horror films that were
created back to back, with each film debuting over the next three weeks. Saint
Patrick tackles the appalling practice of conversion therapy, showing that
the true monsters are always human. A talented cast and crew are able to
bring Armstrong’s vision to life, showing that this is going to a memorable few
weeks for horrors fans across the world.
"Trick" is sent to an isolated cabin with Pastor Pat by his
Evangelical parents who have paid for him to be saved from what they view as
the wickedness of his sexuality. What follows is a harrowing and tragic
story that blends realistic monsters with those from beyond the grave.
Armstrong's script is lean, as is everything about this film. It is made
with an economical patience that only helps to cement the horror, once again
displaying the power of independent film making. Steve Pinder stars as
the villainous, and most likely repressed Pat and opposite him is Michael
Cline's wounded and vulnerable Trick. Their chemistry is heartbreaking
and terrifyingly real, demonstrating things that are happening around the world
as of this writing. Pinder in particular, gives an understated and
perfect performance, dovetailing with Armstrong's vision.
Sydney Lawson's cinematography is astounding, capturing
the microcosm of the cabin with an array of colors; from the light splashed
interiors to the haunted shadows of the surrounding woods. In the final
act, when things transition into the more surreal, the colors drain to the
muted aesthetic of death, signifying an almost spiritual Rubicon. While some
may find the overall presentation Spartan, or perhaps a rehash of other films
and themes, this is delivered with such realistic presentation, one cannot help
but to be horrified by the realization that someone is enduring was Trick and others
endured at this very moment.
Now playing in theaters and available for digital rental, The Exorcism of
Saint Patrick is a muted triumph, using its lean runtime to make its case
while delivering some righteous comeuppance. Featuring a pair of powerful
performances, taught visuals, and a chilling sojourn into the dark side of
Christianity, this is an excellent beginning to the forthcoming
anthology. Next week be on the lookout for Wolves Against the World,
which focuses on a Neo-Nazi metal band.
--Kyle Jonathan