By
Edward Davis
|
The Playlist
February 5, 2015 at 12:18PM
Claire is under the grip of a mysterious cult. Desperate to be reunited with their daughter, Claire’s parents set out to recruit Ansel Roth, one of the world’s foremost authorities on mind control. But Ansel’s specialty, deprogramming cult members and returning them to their families, is not an exact science. Now, even his own book publisher is looking to break his legs. Ansel kidnaps Claire, who reveals herself to be a formidable challenge; her belief is unshakeable and her logic is undeniable. A battle of wits develops between the two as they delve deeper and deeper into each others minds.
The exploration of cults and their psychic cost are having something of a moment in cinema right now. On the heels of Martha Marcy May Marlene and The Sound of My Voice comes the darkly comedic and often terrifying Faults, directed by newcomer Riley Stearns.
The movie is anchored by phenomenal performances by it leads. Leland Orser (sadly best known as "hey that guy from Taken!" or "hey that guy from Seven!") fully embodies Roth as a long-suffering and unscrupulous sadsack you can still see a glimmer of authority in. Jessa Vandevort, best known for playing much brassier, broader comedy, is compellingly fragile and sinister and unlike we've ever seen her.
The movie also co-stars Jon Gries, Beth Grant, Chris Ellis, and Lance Reddick and premiered last year at SXSW. In our review, we wrote , “‘Faults’ is a strangely funny, often eerie accomplishment, and it’s a testament to why people like us tend to call first features like this ‘promising.’”
Screen Media Films
has picked up “Faults” for theatrical and VOD release on March 6th. Watch below.
