“God never gives us more than we can carry.” This mantra is often urged upon Melva, the single mother in this intense and stylish drama, by her fellow believers. Well-meant advice that is of precious little use to her, because she’s looking desperately and in vain for a cure for her son, who seems possessed by the devil.
After a failing health care system has left her stranded and her son is no longer welcome at school on account of his behavioural problems, she finds solace with a church religious community where speaking in tongues and the laying on of hands are everyday practices. Minister Abe, a lonely man with a complex past, is determined to help his underprivileged fellow humans. But is fervently believing in salvation really the solution?
In this drama based on a true story, all elements point to disaster: from the distorted, ominous sounds to the leaden grey skies. A powerful, complex and extremely human story about the effects of blind faith.
Film details
- Countries of production
- New Zealand, USA
- Year
- 2015
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2016
- Length
- 98"
- Medium/Format
- DCP
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