Title: Acolytes

Directed by: Jon Hewitt

Starring: Danny Baldwin, Holly Baldwin and Joel Edgerton.

Scores: Technical: 90, Story: 95, Acting: 99, Overall: 96

Every now and then I come across a movie that gets no marketing and flies in under the radar. Most of the time, that’s a good thing. Sometimes, it is sad because a film deserves to be seen. Acolytes really needs to be seen.

Acolytes is a tale of 3 high school teens who intertwine themselves in a plot for revenge. When one witnesses a body being buried they all decide to hunt down the killer and blackmail him. After all, there is a bully/rapist who needs to be taken care of. When the plot goes horribly wrong, the teens find themselves in way over their head. How do you out smart a serial killer?

This is the kind of intense drama that will have you on the edge of your seat. The acting is exceptional considering these virtually unknown young actors. The three lead roles (played by Hanna Mangan Lawrence, Joshua Payne, and Sebastian Gregory) are individually unique characters. They have issues and the actors show it in amazingly subtle ways. The supporting cast is equally talented. They round out, what I think is a very well put together cast. Kudos to the casting director.

The plot is most definitely one of the best and most original stories I have ever seen. This is a different kind of horror movie. It is very entertaining and will keep you wondering what’s next. The only issue I have is a personal one. I like a lot of dialogue in movies like this. Although the script is a little lacking, it does not take away from the movie at all.

Acolytes is an extremely well done film. The directing and cinematography are beautiful and deserve mentioning. The shots are well done and give you a real sense of confusion and tension at all the right times. Give this movie a chance, you’ll be glad you did.

By Dave Minyard