THE OTHER LAMB (2019) Reviews and overview

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The Other Lamb is a 2019 American-Belgian-Irish horror film about a young woman who was born into an all-female cult led by a messiah-like man. She begins to question his teachings and her own reality.

Directed by Malgorzata Szumowska from a screenplay written by C.S. McMullen, the movie stars Raffey Cassidy (The Killing of Sacred Deer), Michiel Huisman (The Invitation), Denise Gough and Kelly Campbell.

Plot:

For her entire life, the cult she was born into has been all that teenage Selah has known. Along with a band of similarly cloistered young women she lives seemingly unstuck in time, cut off from modern society in a remote forest commune presided over by a man called Shepherd, a controlling, messiah-like figure with a frightening dark side.

However, when her insular world is rocked by nightmarish visions and disturbing revelations, she begins to question everything about her existence—including her allegiance to the increasingly dangerous Shepherd. Awash in images of primal, dreamlike dread, this provocative fable is a haunting vision of adolescent awakening and revolt…

Reviews:

“With its languid pacing, abundant use of symbolism and metaphor, and delicately nuanced characters, this is not a film for everyone. For those that adore more sophisticated and artistic films such as the aforementioned The WitchThe Lodgers, or even The Handmaid’s Tale series (or novel), this is guaranteed to be a favorite.” Cryptic Rock

The Other Lamb deals in dreaminess that delves into ideas about being confined in a psychologically stunting cage. This path conflicts with a premise poised to present more cult-connected creeps than the movie actually puts on its plate. Whether that equates to disappointment or delight comes down to how much an individual identifies with Selah’s unstrung plunge into accelerated adulthood, as well as one’s patience for super slow burns prioritizing cinematic craft over concrete chills.” Culture Crypt

“Szumowska fills her film with turbulence, from the physical maelstrom of a waterfall seen at the start of the film to the often macabre visions experienced by Selah as she begins to wonder if there isn’t more to life than what she has known. The way ahead may be a little pre-destined but the director lets the tension drip through every beautifully shot moment by cinematographer Michal Englert…” Eye for Film

“The pacing asks a bit much of viewers at times, and a payoff shot at the climax might have have had a bit stronger effect if it was lingered on and displayed more clearly, but as I alluded to earlier, The Other Lamb is more reliant on tone and atmosphere than in-your-face horror shots (though viewers can expect a few quick doozies).” The Scariest Things

Release:

The Other Lamb open exclusively at the IFC Center in New York and in Los Angeles with rollout to select cities. The film will be available on-demand and digital platforms on Friday, April 3, 2020.

Cast and characters:

  • Raffey Cassidy … Selah
  • Michiel Huisman … Shepherd
  • Denise Gough … Sarah
  • Kelly Campbell … Hannah
  • Eve Connolly … Adriel
  • Isabelle Connolly … Eloise
  • Ailbhe Cowley … Tamar
  • Irene Kelleher … Joanna
  • Charlotte Moore … Multiple
  • Jane Herbert … Evelyn
  • Mallory Adams … Esther
  • Juliette Crosbie … Sister
  • David Fawaz … Young Policeman (as David Khalid Fawaz)
  • Zara Devlin … Tabatha
  • Eva Mullen … Lily

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