By Romey Norton - November 20, 2024
Written by Chris Watt, The Mire is a classic cat-and-mouse chase story and a battle of wits. We follow the leader of a religious cult, known as The Canon, who, on the eve of a planned mass suicide, is trying to leave with all the money he has embezzled from his followers over the years. However, he is caught by two of his most devout followers, and now it's about a game of who can outsmart one another.
The film was shot in 2021, during COVID-19, on a very low budget, but it doesn’t lack in quality. The Mire is relatively well shot, with decent use of lighting and locations and effective interjections of trippy sci-fi sequences.
The Mire opens with a compelling montage of world leaders and historical moments, which aid the speech for a cult. The leader is called Joseph (ironic when you think of a few religious leaders' names) and wants out. We learn about the cult and its beliefs, and as warped or dedicated as they are, I didn’t find them very threatening or compelling, and this is down to the acting.
The script is well-written, as we learn about how Joseph recruited people for his cult - praying on their insecurities and needs. Then how the two members act as his conscience as he’s about to leave. But sometimes the script is executed badly. The acting can be dull and bland instead of being unnerving and intense. But, it isn’t all bad. Some great moments will keep you invested as a viewer.
Joseph does give Voldemort vibes throughout which is great, but at times did make me laugh, rather than feel intimidated. His character is very interesting and opens up discussions about cult leaders. In reality, many cult leaders embezzle money from their followers and then make them commit suicide as they run off with the money. This perspective is interesting, and it did keep me invested to see if he would get away with it.
While the plot is intriguing and slowly develops, the film needs more action and movement. The film has a lot of conversations with people sitting still facing one another and whilst the script is entertaining, the lack of action might cause you to disengage.
The ending of the film is not as predictable as I thought and is more dramatic and emotional than expected. Finishing the film with the questions, what do we get out of this life, and what is it all about?
Overall, The Mire is a politically, emotionally, and spiritually charged film that offers its audience a look inside the world of a cult and what happens when you try to escape. If you’re a fan of dystopian dramas then give this film a try. The Mire is available on digital services, including Prime Video and Tubi, in the U.K. and U.S
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