The Word (2013) User Reviews

A Parent's Worst Nightmare

[lavatch · 6/10 · 20 April 2023]

"Sacrificed" (aka, "The Word") was successful in developing a strong protagonist having to cope with the death of his young son after the boy was kidnapped in a shopping mall.

Tom Hawkins is struggling with guilt after the boy was taken while he was in close proximity while out shopping. Hawkins is a complex character who is not merely out for revenge, but is committed to setting things right by discovering who was at the heart of the weird cult that killed his child. In this regard, Hawkins is more skillful at discovering evidence than the FBI.

While there was good dramatic tension, the film's ending was disappointing in that it left too many unresolved issues. Was the character Miller honest in going undercover for the FBI? Or, was he part of the kidnapping ring? And what about the death of Dr. Tracy Brodeur? With her demise, will it ever be possible to finally discover who are the ringleaders? There could have been a stronger denouement to an otherwise well-conceived thriller.

Top Notch Thriller

[derek-569-839987 · 9/10 · 18 June 2018]

This movie has stuck with me for days. I saw that the budget was $200,000. You can see that they put every penny on the screen. The acting was very believable and you're wanting to see justice be done throughout the film. If you support indie films, give this one a shot.

I Felt The Father's Anger

[Rainey-Dawn · 8/10 · 13 September 2017]

Tom Hawkins' son was kidnapped then murdered as a sacrifice. His rage and grief was great... he has to make a choice: stay true to his religious beliefs and let the law handle it OR to seek revenge.

Great performances, I could feel the pain and anger that Hawkins was feeling for the loss of his child as well as wanting "true justice" for the crime committed. My heart went out to him.

I won't give anything away but I wondered if FBI Mike Sheehy (James Naughton) was one of the "snakes in the grass" until the very end of the film. Mysterious character to me.

CONFESSION TIME: I thought James Naughton was Tommy Lee Jones in this particular film... I'm sorry but I did. I thought it was Jones "fixed-up". My apologies. I never looked to see who was in the film - just picked it out to watch because it sounded good.

Anyway, great film!! I really enjoyed this dramatic mystery-thriller - it's worth watching! 8.5/10

Excellent film. Well acted.

[tgoodtom · 27 March 2017]

The plot is very well done and suspense takes you through to the end. Acting was excellent and especially enjoyed Kevin O'Donnell. His portrayal of a father driven by grief is subtle and riveting at the same time. James Naughton is the perfect police detective trying to solve a tough case with volatile emotions running high. I will not give up the ending but suffice it to say that things are not all that they seem.

As a parent THE WORD is a powerfully resonating thriller!

[ryanbartongrimley · 9/10 · 28 November 2017]

As a parent THE WORD is a powerfully resonating thriller! If you're looking for an entertaining, well made indie thriller that keeps you on your toes, with dramatic, emotional performances, The Word is for you. As another reviewer wrote, this is not a Hollywood film, but the production value is really good and it feels realistically scary and has real stakes. I also really liked how the film dealt with religion, not really taking a side, but showing all sides and how they're inter-linked which gave it more depth than your usual indie thriller. The ending was also super-satisfying!