Based on the 1978 Jonestown Massacre. Fashion photographer Patrick (Kentucker Audley) visits his sister Caroline (Amy Seimetz) with two of his colleagues from Vice magazine (Joe Swanberg and AJ Bowen). She has joined the Eden Parish, a utopian community somewhere in the bush. Its inhabitants paint an idyllic picture of their community and are full of praise for their leader (Gene Jones), whom they address as Father. They collaborate harmoniously on creating their paradise.
Like any good journalist, the three distrust this much ‘bliss’ and the true story is slowly uncovered. As is often the case, the rigid utopian system is far from paradisiacal.
This found-footage-style film is a really exciting slow burner, perfectly structured towards the inescapable, unfortunate dénouement. Cult filmmaker Ti West’s sixth and perhaps best film.
Film details
- Country of production
- USA
- Year
- 2013
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2014
- Length
- 95'
- Medium/Format
- DCP
