We Still Say Grace

"We Still Say Grace" is an intense and thrilling drama film released in 2020. Directed by Brad Helmink and John Rauschelbach, the movie stars Holly Taylor, Bruce Davison, and Rita Volk in key roles. The film masterfully combines spiritual themes, psychological suspense, and horror elements that intrigue, terrify and force us to think about human morality, all at the same time.

Set against the backdrop of the secluded American countryside, the movie principally revolves around a reclusive and devoutly religious family led by the domineering yet charismatic patriarch, Harold, a role flawlessly depicted by Bruce Davison. Harold lives with his submissive wife and three obedient daughters. The eldest daughter, Maggie, portrayed by Holly Taylor, is a teenager who starts to question her father's unorthodox teachings and oppressive rules, creating a sense of unease within the family. Rita Volk plays Sarah, a seemingly harmless woman who gets entangled with the family under distressing circumstances.

"We Still Say Grace" shines a glaring spotlight on the family's isolated life characterized by hard-work, prayer, and an unwavering and extreme belief in God's power. Traditional home-cooked meals serve as the center stage for the family’s adherence to long-established customs, such as saying grace before eating, a context from which the movie gets its evocative title.

As the story progresses, a sequence of unexpected events occurs that tests the stability of the family, notably Harold's supreme rule, pushing the narrative into the realm of thrilling suspense. Alongside this, various external factors further complicate the situation. The layered storyline manipulates fears, both psychological and physical, to build tension and create an atmosphere of perturbation and unpredictability.

Bruce Davison's performance as Harold is chillingly precise, embodying a man firmly rooted in his faith, dictating the path for his family towards a supposedly divine lifestyle. With a stern demeanor and an alarmingly calm poise even in the face of turmoil, Davison's character keeps you on the edge throughout the course of the movie.

Equally notable is Holly Taylor's portrayal of Maggie. She excellently captures the spirit of a young woman torn between her obedience to her father and the primal need to escape the confines of her life. Stuck in a lifestyle alien from what is perceived as normal, her underlying courage and rebellious spark create a compelling character.

The two central characters played by Davison and Taylor carry the majority of the plot, but Rita Volk’s character, Sarah, contributes prominently to the narrative’s progression. Despite being a supporting character, Sarah's role in pushing the storyline cannot be undermined.

The cinematography in "We Still Say Grace" leaves viewers with a haunting impression. The landscape's desolate beauty and the tranquil yet foreboding ambiance of the rural setting excellently supplement the film's suspenseful mood. Moreover, the movie uses isolated locations effectively – amplifying the sense of the family's secluded and restrictive lifestyle.

The directors Helmink and Rauschelbach have skillfully managed to weave an intriguing tapestry of faith, control, rebellion, and survival in "We Still Say Grace." While the unsettling exploration of an obsessive faith-driven life might push the viewers out of their comfort zones, it's this discomfort that makes the movie resonate with its audience long after viewing.

The sound design complements the narrative and setting perfectly, creating suspenseful moments at unexpected intervals and increasing the gripping horror element. Every sound, silence, or tone masterfully adds another layer of thrill and unease to the viewers' experience.

"We Still Say Grace" is an exploration of the lengths to which belief can be stretched and distorted, particularly in an insulated environment. The film delves deep into how religion, when misinterpreted and misused, can control and manipulate lives. It exposes the chilling consequences of unchecked power and the potential horrors lurking behind a seemingly peaceful facade.

Overall, the movie is a chilling and intense psychological thriller that captivates the audience with its gripping narrative, strong performances, and a lingering sense of unease. It successfully raises questions about religion, control, and obedience, ineptly wrapped in a package of horror and suspense. For lovers of cleverly crafted thrilling dramas, "We Still Say Grace" is undeniably worth the watch.