Watch Apostasy

Apostasy is a deeply emotional and poignant drama exploring the inner lives of three women living within the walls of the Jehovah's Witness community. Set in Manchester, the film follows the story of a mother Ivanna, her two daughters Luisa and Alex, and the harsh beliefs that tear their families apart. The eldest daughter, Luisa, played by Molly Wright, has been disfellowshipped from the congregation for having a child out of wedlock. She lives alone and struggles to deal with the guilt and shame brought upon her by the ostracization from her community. Wright portrays Luisa's character with great sensitivity and vulnerability - her distress is palpable as she tries to come to terms with her faith and the loss of her family.

Her younger sister, Alex, played by Poppy Jhakra, is still devout in the faith and lives with her mother Ivanna, played by Siobhan Finneran. The mother, a faithful member of the congregation, spends her days preaching the gospel and studying the bible. She is a devout woman and believes that there is no higher purpose for her life than to serve God. However, when Luisa's child becomes ill and requires a blood transfusion- a practice that the Jehovah's Witnesses forbids- she is forced to choose between her faith and her daughter. Siobhan Finneran pulls off a remarkable performance as Ivanna, who struggles with her convictions when torn between her love for her daughter and her commitment to her faith. She shows the conflict within the mother, who feels helpless to provide the best care for her ailing grandchild without compromising her religious beliefs.

With exquisite subtlety, writer-director Daniel Kokotajlo leads the viewer through the film's quiet and understated storyline. He excels in capturing the nuances in the relationships of the central characters, subtly hinting at their internal struggles with the rules of the congregation. The film is not a commentary on the teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses, but it presents their beliefs as the driving force behind the narrative's events, highlighting the effects of rigid doctrine on human relationships.

Apostasy will resonate with audiences, regardless of their religious backgrounds, as it savvily portrays the deeply nuanced emotions of the characters embroiled in this world. It delves deep into the fear, guilt, and trauma experienced by these women, dispelling the notion that adherence to religious beliefs alone can insulate individuals from emotional turmoil.

The film's cinematography is understated, reflective of the modest lives of the characters. The Manchester skyline is used beautifully, emphasizing the working-class environment in which the characters reside. The characters' interaction with the modern world is minimal, highlighting their detachment from society at large. The film is laden with long, silent shots, which underpins the emotional turmoil of the characters, immersing the viewer in their struggles.

Finally, the score weaves heavenly hymns into the film's soundscape seamlessly, creating a haunting and sombre mood that reflects the characters' internal conflicts. The music reinforces the film's poetic and poignant nature, enhancing the depth of emotions and rawness on display.

In conclusion, the film is a must-watch for anyone looking to explore the complexities of faith and the ordeal of people who have to endure the hard realities of devotion. It's a powerful film that will stay with the viewers long after the end credits roll. Apostasy shows the brutality of the religious enforcement of prohibitions that require individuals to abandon their loved ones due to perceived violations of a faith's most fundamental rules. The film does not aim to judge religious faith, but rather shows the devastating impact when dogma is given priority over basic human compassion.

Apostasy is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.