They lead a pious life, in service to their God, Etan, who both blesses and protects the farm that they inhabit. The boundaries of their land are clearly marked by a circle of animal bones and certain death waits any who cross to the wasteland beyond.

Father also doubles as Etan’s High Priest, instructing the children in how best to serve him and dealing out punishment for their sins. Atonement starts at missing super for the evening and frequently involves beatings. Far more severe treatment is warranted for frequent transgressors, Etan doesn’t seem big on mercy.

Whilst they may not be a ‘Happy’ Family, they are certainly content with their lot. That is until newcomer Mary (Keana Lyn – The Hardy Boys, The Yard) arrives and interrupts the Family dynamic.

Introduced by Father as a future bride for Caleb, the mysteries of her origin, combined with the beguiling effect she has on the male members of the family, results in an ever-growing wedge being driven between members of the group.

As the children become ever more rebellious, the puritanical parents strive to tighten their tyrannical grip…culminating in a generational confrontation of Biblical proportions.

Although the viewer is never given an exact year the film is set, the visual ascetics bring to mind the sublime 16^th Century setting brought to life in The Witch (2015), and the dialogue is peppered with plenty of ‘Thees’ and ‘Thous’ for good measure. However, the inclusion of electric lighting suggests a more modern or perhaps even post-apocalyptic setting.

The performance of the cast is excellent; raising what could have easily been a mediocre film, to something far superior. The interactions between different family members raise the slow building tension with each interaction and changes in relationships of individual characters, not just between parents and children, but between Father and Mother and the individual children, keep the viewer guessing as to where the eventual breaking point will lead.

This is definitely a film for those who prefer dialogue and tension build up to non-stop shocks and action. The ever escalating punishments should keep the easily distracted on point though and the final confrontation, when it comes, does not disappoint.

Daniel Few

The post THE FAMILY (2021) appeared first on Horror Asylum.

The Family delves into brooding and unpredictable family ethics. The feature redefines the notion of terror and explores psychological and physical trauma in a genre-bending sinister tale. Raised to fear what lurks beyond the borders of their farm, a young family must free themselves from the tyrannical rule of their merciless Father and Mother.

Synopsis:

“How could they see anything but the shadows if they were never allowed to move their head?” Raised to fear what lurks beyond the borders of their farm, a young family is held captive by their beliefs and the teachings of their merciless Father and Mother; lead to believe they may be the only one left on earth. When Caleb, the eldest, begins to question these teachings, Father decides to make an example of him, his punishments becoming increasingly cruel and brutal. Caleb is forced to choose between his search for truth… and his life.

The Family was filmed during COVID and respected all the industry rules and regulations. The feeling of isolation in the movie also speaks to the pandemic and lockdowns in our recent lives. The co-writers Slater and Booth were inspired by the vulnerability of people and the ability of cults to exploit their fears and beliefs to separate them from the rest of the world. This reflection led the filmmakers to invent a cult religion from scratch.

“We’ve both always been fascinated by the idea of cults and people in society being indoctrinated by their beliefs, and how many times, you simply believe what you were raised to know. It’s ingrained in you from birth. Why would you question it?” says producer Adam Booth.

“It’s hard to imagine how people are able to escape the clutches of a cult when they become that person’s entire existence. We began exploring what it would be to question your whole world with the consequences being mental and physical harm or even death,” adds director Dan Slater.

Starring Nigel Bennett (Father), Benjamin Charles Watson (Caleb), Jenna Warren (Abigail), Toni Ellwand (Mother), Keana Lyn (Mary), and Yasmin MacKay (Evelyn), the film is co-written by Dan Slater and Adam Booth. Directed by Dan Slater. Produced by Adam Booth and Cristian de la Rosa. Executive Produced by Bo Ko and Carlo Liconti. Cinematography by Adam Madrzyk. Production Design by Mercedes Coyle. Edited by Sydney Cowper. Hair & Makeup Design by Raquel Dailey. Score by Dillon Baldassero. Color by Clinton Homuth – ART JAIL. Sound Mix by Dane Kelly.

World Premiere in Busan

Playing Oct 8th @ 7:00PM

Oct 9th @ 7:30PM

Oct 12th @ 2:30PM

Venue: Centum City

In the presence of director Dan Slater

For more information about The Family, please follow the links below:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheFamilyWestFilm

Instagram: @_TheFamilyFilm

Twitter: @_TheFamilyFilm

Production Company: www.West.Film

Hashtag: TheFamilyFeatureFilm

Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins

horrorscreamsvideovault.co.uk

The post Deeply Disturbing Cult Tale, THE FAMILY, To Have Its World Premiere At The Busan International Film Festival appeared first on Horror Asylum.