petersf21 We saw this at the Bagdad Theater along with the cast and crew and friends of the directors. Obviously all the huge high marks are coming from family members and die hard participants. If this had been their first movie I might be more generous in my opinion, but the awful truth is they've made a lot of movies and don't seem to get one bit better doing it. Maybe it's time for them to bring in some professionals or enroll in a good film school. Where they get the money for all this stupidity is their business, but in reality it's really no different than a lot of the awful big budget movies coming from Hollywood that get made just because they can and have the money to do it. The same effect here, just on a smaller scale and in Portland, which has a pretty smart film audience worth listening to.

screener101 I can remember a time when movies really took the trouble to build a relationship between the characters and the audience. This movie certainly does that. It carefully allows us to know and care for the Pastor and his family. Then, when they are placed into great danger, we have an emotional investment that adds to the thrill factor. Every performance is right on. The family seems real and the cult members are cold and dangerous. It's like being drawn into a world filled with light and shadow, each element fighting to rule the screen. I love film noir, and this movie reminds me of why I do. The tone and structure of the film are carefully drawn, and the result is a movie to enjoy and remember long after it's over. Kudos to everyone in front of and behind the camera. A great time at the movies.

bellapetite A fascinating expose of morés in a small town - where religious convictions and the congregation members are never what they seem. Superb acting by an Oregon based ensemble and quality production values by a local Portland crew give this production a veneer that the producers - and financiers - should be proud of. Congratulations for a thoroughly entertaining evening. Special regard should be made for the lead performance of the Pastor (Robert McKeehen) and his sympathetic, level headed wife (Audrey Walker) while Michael Prosser gives that delicious creepiness to Ethan Evans, initially thought to be the bad guy, yet really the fall guy. Robert Blanche provides that understated, demonic twist. Newcomer Nouel Riel (soon to be seen in a great little flick "Did You Kiss Anyone") is excellent as the confused teenager, and focus of the cult. While naming names, Writer/Director/Cinematographer Brother class-act Jason and Todd Freeman meld a terrific cast and fine performances.

[email protected] Modern and yet reminiscent of a Val Lewton thriller, this depiction of the age old battle between light and shadow, good and evil, hits the bull's eye through crisp narrative and cinematic style. Every performances is "spot on" perfect from the true to life depiction of family life in a church parsonage to the brooding underbelly of a cult gone mad. It takes its time, introducing the characters, endearing them to the audience before they are thrown into the midst of potential harm. The effect is spellbinding, drawing the viewers into a dreamlike world where almost anything can happen and sometimes does. Dig deep into the popcorn, take an extra long drag from the soda cup, and get ready for an entertaining experience amongst dancing cinematic shadows with this one! IT SHOULD BE NOTED that I originally wrote this review following the Cast & Crew showing last year. I must admit, since I've seen the completed film, I find it to be even more pleasing. Of course I am the Father of the filmmakers. But, I'm a Dad who has a rich history in all things cinema, and after 65 years I certainly know a good movie when I see it. No matter who made it.