“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
Productielanden
New Zealand, USA
Jaar
2015
Festivaleditie
IFFR 2016
Lengte
98'
Medium/Formaat
DCP
Taal
English
Première status
None
Director
Jake Mahaffy
Producer
Mike S. Ryan, Michael Bowes, Georgina Allison Conder