In the 2014 thriller Apocalypse Cult, director Glenn Triggs explores the twisted world of a doomsday cult and the unsuspecting young woman who falls under its dangerous spell. The film opens with Kate (Jane Elizabeth Barry), a troubled and aimless 20-something, attending a group after a failed suicide attempt. There she meets David (Geoff Pinfield), a charismatic cult leader who draws her into his apocalyptic vision of a new world order. Along with a group of other lost souls, Kate is convinced to leave her old life behind and David and his followers in a secluded compound deep in the Australian wilderness.
As Kate becomes increasingly immersed in the cult's twisted beliefs, she begins to realize that David's promises of salvation are nothing more than lies. When she tries to escape, she discovers that leaving the cult may be even more dangerous than staying, and that David will stop at nothing to keep his followers in line. With the help of a sympathetic outsider (David Macrae), Kate must unravel the cult's secrets and fight for her survival in a desperate bid to expose the truth and escape the apocalypse.
Shot on location in Victoria, Australia, Apocalypse Cult is a tense and disturbing thriller that explores themes of vulnerability, manipulation, and the frailty of the human mind. The film's stark imagery and ominous score create an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the final credits roll. Barry delivers a standout performance as the film's troubled heroine, showcasing her range and depth as an actor. Pinfield is equally convincing as the enigmatic cult leader, delivering a performance that is both chilling and charismatic.
Apocalypse Cult is not for the faint of heart, as it features scenes of violence, disturbing imagery, and intense psychological manipulation. However, for those willing to brave the darkness, the film offers a thought-provoking exploration of the power of cults and the dangers of blind faith. It is a cautionary tale that reminds us that anyone can fall victim to the seductive allure of a charismatic leader, and that the consequences can be deadly.
Apocalypse Cult is a 2017 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.