I went into this film with high hopes. As someone who knows very little about Jahovas Witnesses I was intrigued about how such a story would translate to someone like me. The answer is: not very well.
Films like this show the ridiculousness of religion, and that is one huge problem for the film. As an outsider, I can't help but laugh when the mother says: 'you'll have to start bringing him to meetings', which I don't think was the desired effect.
The style seems like a cheap Bergman flick, which obviously does it no help. After five minutes of staring at bored faces, I can't help but become bored myself. I commend what it was trying to do, and I think the director has great potential, but I did not think that this was a wise creative choice.
The lack of a soundtrack is near fantastic. I find it appreciable when a director can make such a bold choice, but there are certainly moments when a bold theme, or powerful piano may have aided. What I'm trying to say is that the silence ended up a little too awkward.
The script is easily the weakest element. Every time I heard the word "Truth" or "System" I phased out a little. With a stricter editor, it could become so much more.
The performances from the three younger characters were good and showed promise. Ivana however just looked bored, and only showed any sort of character or facial expression once. It's a shame in comparison to her other work.
As for the ending, there was fantastic potential, that was unfortunately spat back in our face. You'll understand when you see it, but had the course of events been different, I would have a much kinder disposition.
There was one shot that I'd steal for my next project, but other than that this is one for the small screen. I really hope you Daniel follows this up with something far more suitable for what his talents can demonstrate.
Review of Apostasy
