Pop Culture Reviews

Acolytes – DVD Review

Distributor: Madman Films  Released : 2008 Genre: Thriller/horror/drama Credits: Director: Jon Hewitt Writer: Shayne Armstrong, Shane Krause Starring: Joel Edgerton, Sebastian Gregory, Joshua Payne, Hanna Mangan Lawrence, Michael Dorman  Rating: R16

This DVD was supplied by Madman Entertainment New Zealand for review

Three teenagers who seem perfectly normal on first appearances stumble on a dead body in the underbrush. Their grisly find sets off a series of events that will reveal more darkness seething beneath the surface and will ultimately bring them all closer to a past that won’t stay hidden. And as if this wasn’t enough to keep you on edge, throw a serial killer into the mix and you’ve got one seriously screwed up plot with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster ride.

A brilliantly written and directed movie by Australian director Jon Hewitt, Acolytes is another hidden little gem that any horror movie fan shouldn’t miss. The Aussie cast is flawless with some fresh new acting talent (Sebastian Gregory, Joshua Payne and Hanna Mangan Lawrence) and some familiar ones (Joel Edgerton, Michael Dorman) supported by great directing and an even better plot.

Joel Edgerton delivers a standout performance as the serial killer – there’s just something about the way he wears those sunglasses that will really make your skin crawl. I thoroughly enjoyed Acolytes. Highly recommended if you want to be creeped out and intrigued all at once.