Synopsis

On the trail of her missing sister, Charlotte enlists the help of Wayne, an ex-Marine and alcoholic, to infiltrate the Church of One Accord – a community of snake-handlers who risk their lives seeking salvation in the Holy Ghost.

Official Review

Like so many films at SXSW, I walked into Holy Ghost People utterly blind and not knowing at all what to expect. For the majority of the film’s running time I was handsomely rewarded – this is a well shot piece of work with an intriguing premise and several amazing performances. I was really digging this tale, steeped in the world of Appalachian snake-handling churches, as a sort of Martha Marcy May Marlene meets The Vanishing hybrid. It shows a remarkable restraint and the aesthetic is authentic enough to make you feel like you’re actually in this world. Unfortunately, a series of questionable decisions towards the end of the film diminished some of my goodwill. …Read More