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The Believers DVD Print E-mail
Reviews - DVD
Written by Jenna Bensoussan   
Monday, 22 October 2007

thebelievers_dvd.jpg Rated: R
Starring: Daniel Benzali, Deanna Russo, Johnny Messner, and Jeri Lynn Ryan
Director: Daniel Myrick

Synopsis: While on duty, David Vaughn (Messner) and Victor Hernandez (Huertas), two emergency paramedics, receive a call from a young girl whose mother has lost consciousness in a deserted area, but they soon discover that the life they have to save may be their own.

Kidnapped and locked in an isolated building, David tries to discover the truth behind a secret cult and their beliefs. As Victor's beliefs are challenged and the fine-line between religion and science are crossed, David must find a way to escape and get out, before "they" get him. In a society where beliefs in religion and beliefs in science are constantly challenged, Believers explores the manipulative measures some use to take advantage of lost souls.

DVD Features:

  • Commentary by director Daniel Myrick and writer Julia Fair
  • Extended "Lina Vance Show" interview
  • Introduction to the Faculity
  • Hidden camera video of "Monologues" by the Teacher
  • Hidden glasses camera video of Io explaining the formula
  • Forensic video of crime scene aftermath
  • Trailer

Critique:

I would like to say this movie was really great, captivating and scary....but it wasn't. There were a lot of things in this film that just did not make logical sense to me. The best thing this film has going for it is the creative camera work, from black and white to grainy, to "Blair-Witch style" shots. As far as this production goes as a whole, I was not a "believer".

Comments
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mtwalsh16   |2007-12-27 06:55:42
Set in the eerie, furtive realm of cult followers to a bewitching music score by Kays Al-Atrakchi, "Believers" is, in true Myrick style, a masterfully crafted thriller, reliant on an atmosphere of psychological menace and suspense, as opposed to the ubiquitous gore of most contemporary film.
Through the terrifying ordeals of 2 paramedics kidnapped by the Quanta Group, led by the Teacher, issues of destiny and its attainment, introspection, religion versus science, power of suggestion and gullibility are highlighted, enabling the viewer to evaluate and ponder what migh be.
Most notable, is the riveting performance by Daniel Benzali, who, as the Teacher, is at his indidious, evil best. His spellbinding, measured, haunting tone of voice crystallizes the mood of the whole film, making him, without doubt, the "master of creepy".
Brilliantly counterbalanced to his character, is that of young Libby, whose mind, like all the others, is anaesthetized by the miasma of unconditional trust, innocently misplaced in that false sense of security of blind faith, so intrinsic to cult rationale.
Believe it! "Believers" is a must-see.
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