Apostasy

Apostasy is a 2017 British drama directed by Daniel Kokotajlo that succinctly encapsulates the conflicts between faith, family, and the heartrending decisions that sometimes have to be made at the intersection of the two. The film stars Sierra Leonean-British actor, Molly Wright, alongside Poppy Jhakra and Siobhan Finneran - all of whom deliver compelling performances encapsulating the movie's heavy emotional weight. This deeply moving and thought-provoking work is Kokotajlo's directorial debut, demonstrating his ability to handle complex subjects with subtlety, insight, and tenderness.

Set in Oldham, Greater Manchester, Apostasy takes us into the world of Jehovah's Witnesses, exploring the tension-filled dynamics within a small family of devout followers. Molly Wright shines as Alex, a vigilant young believer battling anemia, and while she gives her all to her faith, she must also navigate the complications her medical condition presents to her spiritual convictions. Siobhan Finneran gives a stirringly poignant performance as Ivanna, Alex's fiercely devout mother, whose fervor often leads her into painful personal sacrifices. Poppy Jhakra plays the role of Luisa, Alex's older sister - another robust portrayal on the emotional spectrum – oscillating between loyalty to her faith and family and the attractions of a world beyond the religious community's restrictions.

The film traces the struggles and heart-wrenchingly tough choices that the family has to make when their deeply ingrained beliefs come into direct conflict with reality. The struggle of the characters becomes even more profound when the outside world starts to impinge on their insular existence, causing them to question the foundations of their faith. A series of unfolding events challenges the pathways to eternal salvation that they’ve been taught, leading to a dramatic climax.

Director Kokotajlo explores these profound subjects with the kind of compassionate nuance born out of personal experience. Drawing from his upbringing as a Jehovah's Witness, he paints a respectful, non-judgmental, yet brutally honest portrait of the repercussions that absolute faith can have on an individual's life and relationships. The film's subdued, somber palette underscores its serious themes, focusing the viewer's attention on the characters and their emotional journeys rather than on visual spectacle.

Apostasy manages to tell a deeply religious story without subscribing to any theological arguments, either for or against. Kokotajlo hits a delicate balance, using the movie as an exploration of religion's toll on its most committed adherents, rather than a critique of the religion itself. The result is a sincere, authentic examination of faith’s complexities that doesn't resort to making caricatures of its subjects or its focus on Jehovah's Witnesses.

The performances from the main cast are exceptional, with each actor bringing depth and credibility to their characters. Molly Wright's portrayal of Alex, torn between her faith and her intensifying health issues, is heart-rending and feels viscerally real. Siobhan Finneran's portrayal as the loyal mother trying to navigate her family through an emotional storm is equally impactful - restrained, yet deeply moving. Poppy Jhakra, whose character Luisa is pulled between the strict tenets of her faith and the freedom of the outside world, is boldly compelling.

Apostasy is a slow-burning movie that might not appeal to those in search of fast-paced, plot-driven narratives. Instead, it wins hearts and earns respect with its thoughtful and sensitive exploration of a hidden world. Its down-to-earth, sometimes painfully real depiction of the daily life of Jehovah's Witnesses provides an intimate insight into a community often shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding. Its strength lies not in furious argument or heated debate but in its quiet, earnest recalling of a deeply personal experience that leaves the audience with much to ponder.

In essence, Apostasy is a poignant, compassionate film exploring the power of faith and its impact on family. It's a testament to the fact that irrespective of the context - whether it's a specific religious community, a cultural tradition, or a societal norm - the struggle between faith, personal conviction, and reality is a universal human experience. It's a movie that lays bare the realities of religious fervor, captures the agony of impossible choices, and eventually leaves you with a much deeper understanding and empathy for its protagonists.