Salvation!

Salvation! released in 1987, is an intriguing dark comedy that treads the line between satire and drama while engaging audiences with its cleverly written script and outstanding performances from the cast. Directed by Beth B, with characters brought to life by Stephen McHattie, Dominique Davalos, and Exene Cervenka, the film sheds light on the hypocrisy and deceit rampant in religion and showbiz in a late 20th-century setting, creating a thought-provoking narrative.

Through the captivating performance of Stephen McHattie, the movie introduces us to Reverend Edward Randall, a manipulative and charismatic televangelist. McHattie’s believable portrayal furnishes his character with the perfect blend of charm and guile, capable of drawing in the crowd with his magnetic zealotry. Underneath the veil of his divine message, however, lurks a shrewd businessman exploiting faith for personal gain.

Playing against McHattie's enigmatic reverend is Dominique Davalos, whose character serves as a stark contrast. She plays Rhonda Stample, a rebellious young woman who detaches herself from mainstream society’s norms and values. Dominique's profound performance lends her character a kind of righteous tenacity, revealing the depths of her longing for independence and peace, away from the shackles of societal expectations. She is driven to the point of contemplating surrendering herself to the reverend's unyielding faith, unable to comprehend the shallowness of it.

The narrative is further enriched by Exene Cervenka's strong portrayal of Lenore Finley, a dedicated follower of Reverend Randall who personifies blind faith and unyielding devotion. Cervenka's portrayal deftly illuminates the danger of unexamined beliefs, serving as a cautionary tale for the audience.

The story threads of these diverse characters ingeniously intertwine, choreographing a dance of manipulation, survival, faith, and disbandment – all against the vibrant backdrop of 80s pop culture. With an eye for re-creating the era through its distinct visual and auditory cues, Salvation! ensnares viewers in its period setting, adding a layer of nostalgia and authenticity to the gripping narrative.

One of the movie's strongest assets is its original soundtrack. The film’s moody and atmospheric music creates a thought-provoking juxtaposition against its satirical themes. The soundtrack evokes a sense of understanding and empathy for the wide array of characters and gives context to their diverse perspectives. The era-appropriate tunes, eloquently injected throughout the movie, underpin the definition of the film's tone, further bringing to life its unique blend of drama and comedy.

Notably, Beth B's direction shines through the narrative. Her audacious approach to the sensitive subjects of faith and exploitation, letting them ferment and cross-pollinate, significantly molds the movie’s satirical edge. She makes full use of dark humor to effectively expose the dangers of idealistic manipulation, all the while maintaining a sense of absurd realness that viewers can’t help but appreciate. Furthermore, she keeps you engaged through the captivating narrative, making you laugh and think intermittently, always wondering what the next scene may uncover.

Salvation! is ultimately a social commentary masked as entertainment. The film intricately presents a mix of superficiality and sincerity, greed and generosity, truth and fabrication, all under the same roof. It lays bear the often-disguised interplay of religion and show business, subtly nudging each viewer to question their blind spots.

In closing, Salvation! endorses the idea that religion, like any other aspect of society, is open to exploitation by people in power. Using satire as well as intense drama, the film lays the groundwork for a discussion on how faith can be manipulated for personal gain. Whether you’re a fan of dark comedies or are looking for a movie that stirs introspection, Salvation! is an extraordinary cinema experience that challenges assumptions and compels individuals to question what they believe and why.