Apostasy
Apostasy

Movie spotlight

Apostasy

2017
Movie
94 min
English

A faithful Jehovah's Witness is forced to shun her own sister because of a religious transgression. As the separation draws out, she starts to question the meaning of God's love.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic81/100
Google Users93%
Director: Daniel KokotajloGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A young woman grapples with her strict Jehovah's Witness upbringing as she falls in love and begins to question the faith's doctrines. The film follows her struggle to reconcile her personal desires with the demands of her religious community, leading to a profound crisis of faith. Ultimately, she must make a choice that will forever alter her relationships and her place in the world.

Critical Reception

Apostasy received critical acclaim for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of religious extremism and its impact on individuals. Reviewers praised its authentic depiction of the Jehovah's Witness faith and the emotional depth of its central performance.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply affecting and honest examination of faith, doubt, and the human need for belonging.

  • Sian Brooke delivers a powerful performance as a woman torn between her community and her own desires.

  • The film is lauded for its unflinching look at the strictures of the Jehovah's Witness faith and its emotional toll.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's emotional impact and its insightful exploration of religious conflict. Viewers found the story relatable and moving, appreciating its respectful yet critical portrayal of a devout community.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer at the BAFTA Awards.

Fun Fact

Director Daniel Kokotajlo based the film on his own experiences growing up as a Jehovah's Witness.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Siobhan Finneran really does turn in an effective performance as the mother "Ivanna" in his skin-crawlingly toxic drama that depicts a close family of Jehovah's Witnesses. She has two daughters who enthusiastically spend time trying to spre...

Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

This movie is a slow burner, more thoughtful and moody than dramatic and explosive. I wouldn’t advise watching it on two hours’ sleep or while on an adrenaline high (unless you want to calm down). I have always liked Siobhan Finneran, an...

Stephen Campbell

Stephen Campbell

**_Powerful film-making_** > _It is not wrong to be loyal to the righteous and just God of the Bible. He tells us that he will accept "in his holy mountain" only those who walk faultlessly, practice righteousness and speak truth (Ps. 15)...