The Sacrament Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A VICE crew visits a ‘perfect’ commune that turns out to be less ‘perfect’ and more ‘everyone dies,’ like a really intense camping trip gone wrong.

🍿 The Sacrament: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival at Eden Parish

A news team from VICE, consisting of Sam, Jake, and Patrick, travels to a remote commune called Eden Parish to document the life of Patrick’s sister, Caroline, who has joined the community. They are greeted by armed guards, which raises immediate suspicion. Despite the unsettling welcome, Caroline reassures them, and they enter the seemingly idyllic community.

Life in the Commune

The news team observes the daily life of the residents, who appear happy and devoted to their leader, ‘Father.’ They conduct interviews, learning about the community’s values and self-sufficiency. However, subtle signs of unease and control begin to surface, hinting at a darker reality beneath the surface.

Unraveling the Truth

As the team delves deeper, they discover a hidden group of dissidents who express fear and a desire to leave. A young girl slips Sam a note pleading for help, confirming their growing suspicions. The team’s attempt to investigate further is met with resistance, and they realize they are trapped.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jake Williams (Joe Swanberg): The cameraman for VICE, who documents the events at Eden Parish alongside Sam, providing a grounded perspective.
• Sam Turner (AJ Bowen): A reporter for VICE, who investigates Eden Parish and becomes increasingly concerned about the well-being of its residents.
• Patrick (Kentucker Audley): The fashion photographer who brings the VICE crew to Eden Parish in search of his sister, Caroline.
• Caroline (Amy Seimetz): Patrick’s sister, a recovering drug addict who invites him to visit her at the seemingly utopian commune of Eden Parish.
• Father (Gene Jones): The charismatic yet sinister leader of Eden Parish, who exerts control over his followers through manipulation and fear.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Father: “We were doing something great down here. We were gonna change the world.” – Father says this during the interview, explaining the initial motivations behind establishing Eden Parish.
• Father: “Why couldn’t you leave us alone? What harm were we doing down here?” – Father says this expressing his frustration and anger at the outsiders’ interference in their community, just before everything collapses.
• Sam: “This isn’t right. This isn’t right at all.” – Sam says this expressing his growing concern as he witnesses the disturbing events unfolding in Eden Parish.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,221
• Worldwide Gross: $9,221

💥 The Sacrament Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this knowing it was *inspired* by Jonestown, but wow, it’s almost beat-for-beat. That said, I was still on the edge of my seat! Gene Jones is absolutely terrifying as Father, and the found-footage style just amps up the tension. I definitely wouldn’t watch it alone again, especially the scene with the Kool-Aid, I had to look away. It’s a grim, unsettling movie that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of found-footage horror movies”
  • “Viewers interested in cult documentaries”
  • “Those who appreciate slow-burn thrillers”
  • “Audiences looking for thought-provoking and disturbing content”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Cult themes”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Ti West delivers a chillingly realistic portrayal of cult dynamics, making ‘The Sacrament’ a disturbing, must-see for horror fans. While the ‘found footage’ trope is familiar, West’s skillful direction and Gene Jones’s unnerving performance elevate the film beyond typical genre fare.
• Variety: “‘The Sacrament’ suffers from its predictable plot, mirroring the Jonestown tragedy too closely. However, West’s execution is undeniably effective. The film creates a palpable sense of unease. The found footage style adds a raw, visceral element, but the lack of originality detracts from its overall impact.
• Slant Magazine: “The Sacrament’ isn’t scary so much as it is unpleasant, due to its narrative predictability. The film is a rote exercise in recreating known events. West’s signature slow-burn approach feels less deliberate than aimless, and the found-footage gimmick adds little to the story.

Audience Reactions

Gene Jones’s performance as Father is chilling and unforgettable.: Viewers appreciated the film’s suspenseful build-up and realistic portrayal of cult dynamics.

The found-footage style enhances the sense of realism and dread.: Fans of found-footage horror found this to be a well-executed example of the genre.

Overall Consensus: While some find its reliance on the Jonestown story too derivative, ‘The Sacrament’ is generally praised for its effective suspense, Gene Jones’s performance, and the unsettling realism of its found-footage style.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is heavily inspired by the Jonestown Massacre of 1978, with the director Ti West aiming to explore the psychology and events leading up to such a tragedy through a fictional lens.”
• “Gene Jones, who plays Father, delivered his lengthy interview scene in a single, unbroken take that lasted seventeen minutes, showcasing his commitment to the role.”
• “The choice to present the film as found footage was intended to heighten the sense of realism and immersion, drawing viewers into the unfolding horror as if they were part of the documentary crew.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Sacrament?

The Sacrament is currently available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or purchase it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for cable or satellite options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Sacrament, you might like these similar films:

• Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006): A detailed documentary that provides a real-life account of the Jonestown Massacre, offering a factual comparison to the fictionalized events in ‘The Sacrament’.
• Apostle (2018): A period horror film about a man infiltrating a cult to rescue his sister, sharing the themes of religious extremism and isolation.
• Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011): This film explores the psychological impact of escaping a cult, similar to the experiences the characters try to prevent in ‘The Sacrament’.

🛒 The Sacrament Related Products

• Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple [DVD]: An in-depth documentary that explores the events leading up to the Jonestown Massacre. Gain deeper understanding of the historical context that inspired ‘The Sacrament’.
• Cults: Inside the World’s Most Notorious Groups: This book provides an analytical look at cults, their leaders, and their psychological manipulation techniques. Understand the real-world tactics employed by cults.
• The Sacrament [Blu-ray]: Own a physical copy of the movie for your horror collection. The Blu-ray edition may include bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Vice T-Shirt – Official Merchandise: Official Vice-branded merchandise. Show your love for the company that sent the team into Eden Parish.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Sacrament features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Heartbeats” – performed by The Knife

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Former Cult Member Rates 11 Cult Scenes From Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

Ever wondered how accurate cult movies really are? A former cult member breaks down scenes from movies like The Sacrament, and it’s super interesting to see what they get right (and wrong!).

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