Perhaps this movie is better described as a psychological thriller, rather than horror.
It details events based on the director's own experience as a teenager. A teen is sent to a church camp that is an odd mix between catholicism and fundamental Christianity (baptist/charismatic). Apparently it's a real sect of Christianity called the People of Hope that I hadn't heard of before.
Having grown up in fundamental Christianity, I recognised a lot of the teachings in this film, and I don't think the director over-exaggerated any of it. There are supernatural events in the film, though those events seem to be the hallucinations of the christians themselves, brought on by their indoctrination.
The film's core point is the guilt and fear that fundamental Christianity puts in people, particularly those who grew up in the church. Everything you do is a sin or allows "the devil" into your life. Whether it be a worldly comic book, or sex before marriage, both are treated equally as bad and there is no excuse. Ironically, there is no grace or real love - it's all about condemnation, suppression, and always trying to be 'holy' (which can never happen since humans are imperfect).
This constant indoctrination by the church leaves many christians full of guilt, fear, and in extreme cases, psychotic.
The film could've been a bit shorter and it does have a bit of an indie feel. I think the audience it will speak to the most is those who have any experience with fundamental Christianity. In that respect, I recommend they watch this film.
It details events based on the director's own experience as a teenager. A teen is sent to a church camp that is an odd mix between catholicism and fundamental Christianity (baptist/charismatic). Apparently it's a real sect of Christianity called the People of Hope that I hadn't heard of before.
Having grown up in fundamental Christianity, I recognised a lot of the teachings in this film, and I don't think the director over-exaggerated any of it. There are supernatural events in the film, though those events seem to be the hallucinations of the christians themselves, brought on by their indoctrination.
The film's core point is the guilt and fear that fundamental Christianity puts in people, particularly those who grew up in the church. Everything you do is a sin or allows "the devil" into your life. Whether it be a worldly comic book, or sex before marriage, both are treated equally as bad and there is no excuse. Ironically, there is no grace or real love - it's all about condemnation, suppression, and always trying to be 'holy' (which can never happen since humans are imperfect).
This constant indoctrination by the church leaves many christians full of guilt, fear, and in extreme cases, psychotic.
The film could've been a bit shorter and it does have a bit of an indie feel. I think the audience it will speak to the most is those who have any experience with fundamental Christianity. In that respect, I recommend they watch this film.