Believers DVD Review

Believers would have been better titled “Dude, Where’s My Religion?” or “Bro, Cults and Stuff”. The film follows two paramedics who when on call get kidnapped by a cult known as The Quanta Group. The Quanta Group’s beliefs are never really fleshed out or explained other than the fact that they really like numbers and believe that science and god are one. This is best revealed when a character asks what the numbers scrawled on a wall mean and the reply given is, “Looks like someone is trying to figure something out. “ A creepy cute little girl who must be saved is also thrown into the mix.

The film begins on a chilling note with an interview of Io (Erik Passajo), a representative of The Quanta Group, and a Ricki Lake-esque talk show host. The scene is perfectly choreographed with the contrast of Io’s serious demeanor and the host’s vapid uneasiness. Io explains the cult’s motives with a stoic conviction that vividly recreates the demeanor of real life religious fanatics. However, the tension and subtlety created within the first two minutes is thrown out the window when the main characters begin their scene chewing romp.

Victor (Jon Huertas) and David (Johnny Messner) are perfect examples of what happens happens after the frat boy leaves the frat. The two manage to interject the word “bro” into almost every other sentence and shout a limited range of expletives when angered. It doesn’t help that Messner and Huertas have the looks and acting ranges of porn stars. The characters are so completely flat, it’s absurd for the director expect sympathy for their adverse situation. The only two distinguishing characteristics given are that Victor is religious and David isn’t. Vic is overly catholic and mentions god so often that it’s obvious he’s going to be converted by The Quanta Group.

Much of the film’s problem is that it isn't entirely sure what it wants to be. It isn’t a horror film as there’s a lack of any real tension or frightening sequences. It can’t be a dramatic character study or a examination of religion which as evidenced by Victor’s all too quick conversion. Victor’s conversion literally happens within minutes and is induced by a hot sex session with a cult member. The scene is so ridiculously staged that Believers could easily be considered a modern camp classic rather than a brainless thriller. The director may believe that this shift mimics the blind conviction that followers of religion may possess, yet this is disregarded as no time is spent weighing the consequences or the motivation.

The film’s comedic value is embodied by the cult’s leader known as The Teacher (Daniel Benzali). The teacher is a delicious cross between a Bond villain and Jigsaw from the Saw films. The Teacher is often depicted watching the action through monitors in a control room and speaking through a microphone in true Dr. Claw fashion. He gives classic lines such as, “Forgive me for not meeting with you in person but I am afflicted with numerous allergies and so I must minimize my contact with others.” What a menacing figure! Also noteworthy is the film’s ridiculous ending that manages to be both stupidly offensive and hilarious at the same time.

Credit is due to the understated set designs and lighting. The cult’s base is grungy, claustrophobic, and simply designed. A dirty bathroom acts as a holding cell and dungeon like operating room acts as a conversion space. Unfortunately atmosphere is a paltry substitute for the film’s threadbare story and brainless characterization.

Extras include director commentary, trailers, and inspired stupidity in expanding the mythos of The Quanta Group. This includes a tour of the cult's facility and a hilariously nonsensical explanation of "The Formula".