Plot
A religious cult is run by the feared Fowler. He is married to the youthful Emma, who is desperate to flee.
Sam, is a fellow wannabe escapee, who along with Emma flee in the middle of the night, angering Fowler who goes on to trail them.
Will he find them, and what road do Sam and Emma find themselves on; literally, figuratively and spiritually?
Direction
Directed by Taylor Paur. It was written by himself along with his brother Ethan. Other brother Connor is a producer too.
The family have worked on the acclaimed Yellowstone television series.
Cast
Chase Ramsey plays Sam, one of Fowler’s closest confidants – who wishes to escape his essence.
Ryann Bailey plays Emma – Fowler’s young wife – who finds herself with Sam almost ‘on the lam’ with her husband in pursuit.
Steve Luna is the MVP as the ferocious Fowler, who is hell bent on getting his wife back.
Breakdown
Starting with a scenic backdrop, we are shown a small rural town of Utah – where several people live in a commune run by the feared Fowler. Because of its shoestring budget, what is shown on screen is some wonderfully chosen camera angles, and a hauntingly limited score that really adds to the atmosphere around the compound. The limited score means we get more diegetic sound which complements this even further
He has a pretty young wife named Emma, who is in talks one of Fowler’s most ‘trusted’ to escape. This occurs the night after one of Fowler’s rituals, which he is testing his ‘flock’. He has an old friend who also escaped the compound several years ago – Joshua – who promised Sam sanctuary if he ever escapes Fowler.
This was somewhat difficult to connect with, but i found it extremely engaging. That these two people who are connected by their almost prison life – connect in a way to escape.
Their plans start to go awry – as they discover their ‘sanctuary’ in Josh – is not safe due to his drug addiction, and Fowler – who has discovered their absences – is enraged, and goes on his mission to find them. Steve Luna as Fowler is simply terrifying- and gives a brilliant performance. He is a little known actor, but what he brings is intimidating and menacing.
As Sam’s plan for his future starts to unravel, so does his own mental state. His own anger management starts to become a problem, and the very person he was trying to escape from – he is seemingly becoming.
As Fowler closes in on them, Emma must make another escape once again – this time from Sam
By the final arc, in which Fowler – who has essentially “lost” – we see him broken – almost irreparably – is almost a sympathetic character – as in one scene we see him walking in a daze – past Emma -(who has by this stage escaped Sam). She is taken in by a kind couple – who look after her – and when we leave her – this feels almost the beginning of her new chapter in life.
The film ends, with Sam and Fowler reunited – not yet able to grow from their bond and part.
Overall
A film that might be better suited to those who can empathise or relate to these types of lives (strong religion community etc).
The theme of escape is strong, with Emma really being the one to come out, not on top, but getting a new start and a chance at real freedom.
Amazing performances from the trio, but it was Luna who got my MVP.
A very strong recommend, and if you’re interested, I was fortunate enough to talk to the Paur brothers on my podcast. Link below.
4/5
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