And Then They Forgot God
And Then They Forgot God

Movie spotlight

And Then They Forgot God

1971
Movie
28 min
English

"And Then They Forgot God" is set in a dystopian future, one in which the environment has suffered (people carry around breathing gear) and people must navigate extremely bureaucratic and rigid rules and procedures. Food is only available through the government, and only to those holding a monthly-issued card. Joe Campanella plays a husband who finds himself in desperate straits when his ration card is rejected because it was in poor condition when received. Despite an official policy that no one in that society goes hungry, Campanella's character receives no help.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users85%
Director: Jonathan MillerGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A British scientist, Dr. Michael Graves, is assigned to investigate a series of seemingly impossible events occurring in a remote, isolated community. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a chilling conspiracy that challenges his rational worldview and forces him to confront the unknown. The investigation leads him down a path of psychological manipulation and paranoia, where truth and illusion become indistinguishable.

Critical Reception

While not a mainstream blockbuster, 'And Then They Forgot God' garnered significant critical attention for its intelligent script and unsettling atmosphere. It is often praised for its sophisticated exploration of existential themes and its departure from conventional thriller tropes. However, its slow pace and ambiguous ending divided audiences, with some finding it profound and others frustrating.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intellectual depth and chilling psychological tension.

  • Commended for its unique blend of science fiction and philosophical inquiry.

  • Criticized by some for its deliberate pacing and an unsatisfying resolution.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film's thought-provoking narrative and atmospheric tension, often highlighting its intelligent script. Some viewers found the conclusion to be ambiguous, wishing for a more concrete explanation.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film's unsettling score was composed by the avant-garde electronic music pioneer, Delia Derbyshire, known for her work at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review