The Believer (2021 film)

Last updated
The Believer
Believer.jpg
Official release poster
Directed by Shan Serafin
Written byShan Serafin
Produced by
  • Joshua Minyard
  • Aidan Bristow
  • Arthur Chtiyan
  • William Day Frank
  • Raul Gazteazoro
  • Sophie Kargman
  • Leo Livshetz
Starring
CinematographyJohn Nodorft
Edited by
  • Matthew Rundell
Music by
Production
companies
  • Gypsy Lane Films
  • 611 Films
  • Relentless Escargot Productions
Distributed by
Release date
  • April 2, 2021 (2021-04-02)
Running time
91 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Believer is a 2021 American horror film written and directed by Shan Serafin. It stars Aidan Bristow, Sophie Kargman, Susan Wilder, Lindsay Ginter, Robbie Goldstein and Billy Zane. [1] It runs for 91 minutes. The film is about a woman driven murderously insane by a mad doctor's strange alternative therapy. [2] [3]

Contents

Plot

Lucas (Aidan Bristow), a once-prominent nuclear physicist, finds himself unemployed and grappling with the emotional aftermath of his wife Violet's (Sophie Kargman) sudden and unexplained termination of her pregnancy. This event creates a chasm in their marriage, leaving Lucas feeling betrayed and confused.

As Lucas attempts to navigate his job search and mend his strained relationship, he begins to experience alarming physical symptoms, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and hallucinations. Simultaneously, Violet's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, she exhibits mood swings, engages in cryptic rituals, and isolates herself in the attic for hours.

Concerned about his deteriorating health and Violet's mental state, Lucas seeks help from Dr. Benedict (Billy Zane), a therapist known for unconventional methods. Dr. Benedict suggests an alternative therapy involving immersive role-playing exercises designed to confront and overcome deep-seated fears. Lucas agrees, hoping to restore normalcy to his life.

However, the therapy sessions blur the lines between reality and delusion. Lucas begins to question his perceptions as he experiences vivid nightmares and encounters with mysterious figures. Violet's actions grow more sinister, she speaks in tongues, displays knowledge of events she couldn't possibly know, and hints at a malevolent presence influencing their lives.

The tension escalates when two enigmatic individuals visit their home, claiming to be Violet's parents. Their unsettling demeanor and cryptic conversations deepen Lucas's paranoia. He discovers hidden journals and artifacts suggesting Violet's involvement in occult practices aimed at summoning otherworldly entities.

As Lucas delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a chilling revelation: he may be the target of a ritual intended to serve a dark purpose. His attempts to escape are thwarted by a series of supernatural occurrences, trapping him in a nightmarish reality where trust is elusive, and his own mind becomes an unreliable ally.

Lucas confronts Violet during a ritualistic ceremony. The confrontation forces him to face his deepest fears and the possibility that his reality has been manipulated by forces beyond comprehension.

Cast

Release

Freestyle Releasing releases The Believer On-Demand on April 2, 2021. [4]

Reception

Alex Saveliev of Film Threat gave it a five out of ten and he wrote:

While admirable in its ambition, the end result just doesn't quite gel. Cool poster, though. [5]

References

  1. "Official Trailer for 'The Believer' with Sophie Kargman & Billy Zane". 19 March 2021.
  2. "ASC Awards: 'Mank', 'The Crown', 'The Mandalorian' Take Top Honors – Full Winners List". 18 April 2021.
  3. "'Soul,' 'The Mandalorian' and 'The Midnight Sky' Lead VES Awards". 7 April 2021.
  4. "Horror-thriller THE BELIEVER featuring Billy Zane / Releasing". 10 April 2021.
  5. "The Believer (2021) review". Film Threat . 16 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.