This is a very good film which should get more exposure due to its pertinent subject matter.
Luc Picard as Roch Theriault, a charismatic cult leader who ran a commune in the Canadian wilderness; Polly Walker portrays the social worker who exposes his abusive practices, and having experienced marital abuse herself; at first intuits that something is awry in the commune, which the social service agency must first check out.
When the board of assessors approves Theriault, and vindicates him, she went on record as objecting, but it unfortunately took a lot longer to finally expose his crimes against humanity. Toward the end there is a most disturbing scene as he is drinking with his numerous wives, partying, and suddenly takes a knife and casually grinds it into one of the women's hands, letting her sit there until she passes out from the intense pain. Then he removes it, and tells she she is lucky he can fix it, as he comes toward her with an ax.
Very disturbing and interesting commentary on the psychology of commune life, brainwashing, and how people become involved with cults in the first place. 8/10.
Luc Picard as Roch Theriault, a charismatic cult leader who ran a commune in the Canadian wilderness; Polly Walker portrays the social worker who exposes his abusive practices, and having experienced marital abuse herself; at first intuits that something is awry in the commune, which the social service agency must first check out.
When the board of assessors approves Theriault, and vindicates him, she went on record as objecting, but it unfortunately took a lot longer to finally expose his crimes against humanity. Toward the end there is a most disturbing scene as he is drinking with his numerous wives, partying, and suddenly takes a knife and casually grinds it into one of the women's hands, letting her sit there until she passes out from the intense pain. Then he removes it, and tells she she is lucky he can fix it, as he comes toward her with an ax.
Very disturbing and interesting commentary on the psychology of commune life, brainwashing, and how people become involved with cults in the first place. 8/10.