Watch The Holy Roller

The Holy Roller, a comedy-drama film released in 2010, follows the story of a small town in New Zealand's South Island who has suddenly been taken over by a religious group. The group, known as 'The Church of the Blessed Lightness,' has managed to convert most of the town's population into their faith, and their leader, Reverend Ray, has even gained the status of a local celebrity.

The protagonist of the story is Wes, a lovable but aimless slacker played by Angus Benfield. Wes and his best friend James (played by Jeremy Brennan) are the only non-believers left in town, and they begin to feel the weight of social pressure to become a part of the community. When Wes falls for the Reverend's daughter Rachel (played by Victoria Abbott), he finds himself torn between his feelings for her and his skepticism towards the church.

Throughout the movie, Wes and James try various schemes to gain influence in the town and expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of the church. However, their attempts are met with resistance from both the devout followers and the corrupt local authorities who have formed an alliance with Reverend Ray.

One of the movie's strengths is its portrayal of the town's religious culture, which is both satirical and respectful. The movie highlights the positive aspects of faith and community, but also critiques the potential dangers and abuses of religious authority. Through Wes and James' experiences, the audience is shown the importance of critical thinking and independence of thought, even in the face of social pressure and charismatic leaders.

The Holy Roller also features a talented cast, including leads Angus Benfield, Victoria Abbott, and Jeremy Brennan. Their performances are naturalistic and relatable, making the characters' struggles and triumphs feel genuine. The supporting cast, including the church's followers and the town's corrupt officials, also add to the movie's humor and drama.

The movie's setting and cinematography are also notable, with beautiful shots of the rural New Zealand landscape and evocative lighting that captures the mood of each scene. The film's score, composed by David Long, further adds to the movie's emotional impact, with haunting melodies and uplifting moments that enhance the story's themes.

Overall, The Holy Roller is a charming and thought-provoking movie that balances comedy and drama, satire and sincerity. Its portrayal of religious culture is both nuanced and entertaining, and its characters are relatable and endearing. The film is a testament to the power of independent cinema and the importance of diversity in storytelling. It is sure to entertain audiences of all backgrounds and ideologies.

The Holy Roller is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.