Second Sight Films

A documentary film crew accompanies a man as he travels to Eden Parish in search of his missing sister. It soon becomes apparent that this paradise is not what it seems.

Ti (X, Pearl) West’s 2013 found footage horror survival movie – it’s written, directed and edited by him – is an accomplished shocker, but ultimately may be just a little too miserable for some.

Patrick’s sister was living in a sober-living community in Mississippi, before sending him a mysterious message to visit her in a remote country at a commune that’s off the grid. While the rest of us would cranky see multiple red flags, Patrick and film crew travel to the self-proclaimed ‘Heaven on Earth’ community which is led by the charismatic Father (Gene Jones).

The armed guards on the perimeter are a big warning that something’s not right, though Patrick’s sister Caroline (Amy Seimetz, Pet Sematary) does her best to play it down. The three male outsiders (played by A J Bowen – The House of the Devil, Joe Swanberg – You’re Next and Kentucker Audley – V/H/S) are not taken in by Father’s teachings, but leaving could be a big problem.

I won’t spoil what happens, but this fictional tale borrows many of the beats of the real-life Jonestown Massacre – ‘Drink the Kool-Aid’. It’s a grim story, told in a no-nonsense way by West, but it’s not an easy watch.

Second Sight’s release includes new interviews with actors AJ Bowen, Joe Swanberg, Amy Seimetz, Gene Jones and producer Peter Phok. There’s also a ‘making of’ feature and a look at the film by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas. This limited edition also includes a rigid slipcase, 70-page book of new writing and six collectors’ art cards.

Verdict: An accomplished shocker by Ti West, just don’t expect any of the humour found in the director’s other work. 8/10

Nick Joy