I discovered “Apostle” while in the throes of an awful head cold, sprawled out on my living room couch. I noticed it was one of the newest Netflix films, which have proven to be hit or miss. Out of pure laziness, I stopped searching and gave the movie a chance. I was more than pleasantly surprised.
In the opening credits, “Directed by Gareth Evans” flashed across the screen, which commanded my attention. Evans is best known for “The Raid” franchise—two groundbreaking Indonesian action films. I figured, if this film lacked in the horror department, I would be rewarded with copious, gruesome set pieces.
The film is set in the early 1900s, and follows ex-missionary Thomas, as he must infiltrate a heathen cult on a remote island and rescue his sister. In typical Evans fashion, the film features a cornucopia of bone crushing, torching, shooting, stabbing, head squashing, blood-letting and bodily dismemberment.
In one particularly sadistic scene, a character is ritualistically executed, his head compressed in a vice while a hand-cranked drill bores into his skull. The torture features stunning camerawork, as we are offered a bit of the character’s perspective—we gaze up at the sky, hear moans and the cracking of his skull, and our vision erupts in crimson. Gore such as the aforementioned scene is one of the strong suits of this movie.
Throughout this grisly cinematic experience, our expectations are toyed with, as key players are offed without warning, and others barely escape, often missing an appendage or two.
Additionally, the characterization of the townspeople is often sympathetic, as the majority are not bloodthirsty villains, like some of the guardsman and leaders. Many of the cult’s followers are roped in with promises of a land without taxes, suffering or discrimination.
Many scenes feature non-white characters, working and living in harmony with other islanders, which adds to the morally ambiguous territory. The power dynamic also shifts between the two leaders, as they have radically different visions for the cult.
A problematic trend throughout the film existed in revealing the cult’s mysteries far too soon. We find out relatively early that the livelihood of the island is determined by a witch who is imprisoned by the leaders. She feeds on a nightly donation of blood from the townspeople, and is force-fed the remains of “traitors” and unwelcome guests.
The audience is told of sinister plans before they happen, which drains some of the film’s shock. However, despite some heavy-handed explanation, I was often surprised and repulsed by the progression of events.
It is a shame that “Apostle” was denied a theatrical release. Compared to current multiplex flicks such as “Insidious pt. 14,543,000,” the film managed to be entertaining and original in its approach.
I wouldn’t recommend “Apostle” to the squeamish, but for horror fans, there is a glorious nightmare to bask in.
Rating: 8.2/10