Watch Repentance

After a tragic accident, successful author and life coach Tommy Carter (Anthony Mackie) finds himself struggling mentally and emotionally. His brother Ben (Mike Epps) suggests he seek out the help of spiritual healer Angel Sanchez (Forest Whitaker), but things quickly take a dark turn as Angel become obsessed with Tommy's past and begins to blur the lines between therapy and terror.

Repentance, directed by Philippe Caland, delves into themes of grief, trauma, and forgiveness in a suspenseful thriller. The film opens with a flashback of a young Tommy witnessing a violent altercation between his father and mother, setting the tone for the unsettling events that will unfold throughout the story.

Anthony Mackie delivers a strong performance as Tommy, capturing the character's internal turmoil as he grapples with his past and present. Forest Whitaker brings a menacing energy to the role of Angel, progressively becoming more unhinged as he becomes more obsessed with Tommy's personal demons.

Alongside Mackie and Whitaker, Sanaa Lathan portrays Tommy's supportive but concerned wife Maggie. As the situation with Angel becomes more dangerous, Maggie becomes more involved in trying to protect her husband and uncover the truth about Angel's intentions.

The film also touches on the shortcomings of the mental health industry, as Angel's unconventional methods ultimately lead to harm rather than healing. In addition to the main plot, Repentance also features a subplot involving Maggie's brother, who is struggling with addiction and facing legal consequences. This storyline provides a more grounded and relatable aspect to the film, while also highlighting the impact of trauma on individuals and families.

Visually, the film is well-shot and utilizes flashbacks and dream sequences to convey Tommy's fractured mental state. The score also adds to the suspenseful atmosphere, building tension as the story progresses.

Despite its strong performances and engaging themes, Repentance falters in its execution of the central conflict. The escalation of events feels abrupt and disjointed, with Angel's motivations and backstory revealed through expository dialogue rather than organic character development. This detracts from the impact of the climax, which feels rushed and unsatisfying.

Ultimately, Repentance is a flawed but compelling thriller that tackles complex themes with a talented cast and strong visuals. While it may not fully deliver on its potential, it is worth a watch for fans of psychological suspense.

Repentance is a 2013 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.