I look at this less as a critique of their ability, but more so a constraint of time.

While all three have their moments sprinkled throughout, consistency becomes a challenge. The trio of Nina Kiri, Jorja Cadence, and Ry Barrett shoulder the bulk of the acting responsibility, and the results are mixed. The Heretics leaves the jump scares and over-worn genre tropes at the door and delivers something more. The juxtaposition of reality and fantasy that T he Heretics balances wouldn’t be possible without them, so let’s give credit where credit is due to the FX team. The suffering that Gloria endures is brought to life in ooey-gooey detail through brilliant FX work and expert character design. As showcased in Archibald’s previous film, BITE, practical effects are everything to Black Fawn Films, and never have they looked better than they do right here. As a viewer, you can’t ask for much more, but The Heretics is going to give it to you anyway. The duality of Gloria’s captivity and Joan’s pursuit to find her both feel dependent upon one another, and the twists and turns along the way only further strengthen the plot of each. Or perhaps more importantly: keep them surprised.Ī common complaint of mine, even in some of Black Fawn’s previous works, is a B-story that seems oddly unnecessary to the primary plot of the film, but The Heretics suffers from no such thing. From that moment on, Writer Jayme Laforest spins a web that is sure to keep audiences guessing. Her captor claims to be protecting her from someone… or some thing. But on the night of their anniversary, Gloria is abducted once again. She’s moved on and built a new life with her girlfriend, Joan.

The Heretics follows a young woman,Gloria, dealing with the traumatic aftermath of being abducted by a fanatical cult 5 years previously. … a film that not only deserves your time–it demands it.

The Heretics' Revenge by Martin Barrett