Apostasy

2017

1 hr. 35 min.

Drama

List

97%

33 Reviews

Tomatometer

86%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

Jehovah's Witnesses, Alex, Luisa, and their mother, are united in their devotion. But as Luisa starts to question the advice of the elders, she makes a transgression that leaves the whole family in fear of God's wrath.

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N M

It was disturbingly accurate.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/12/24

Full Review

P B

Horrible acting made even worse by the inaccuracies in the writing and facts that are assigned to the religious aspects and beliefs too - but then it is a film, not a documentary and so can portray things how they want. Fortunately the JWs are nothing like that in real life. Boring film with more inaccuracies than U-571. Could've been improved with better writing and research on all the aspects of topics discussed.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

12/17/23

Full Review

Emma G

Very accurate description of life as a young jw. Was a very hard watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/08/23

Full Review

The I

This movie is an extremely accurate depiction of life as a Jehovah's Witness. It shows the mind-numbing tedium of that life, the intolerance to those who are not JWs, and the damage it does to families. It's an incredible movie. Bravo!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

Full Review

isla s

This is certainly a thought-provoking watch - it's not one for people after fast-paced, action-packed sort of a watch but I felt it did well in terms of providing an insight into what it may be like for teenage Jehovah's Witnesses and it makes you think about how organisations perhaps do try to control peoples behaviour and thinking. Its quite an understated film but in a good way. The organisation comes across as quite unemotional, which I found saddening, frankly. Of course it would be good, I suppose, to have a strong enough faith in something to be 100% certain your doing the right thing in following the ways you've always followed but the impact it has on those you love, who your around, can't be understated and this film highlights this well. It paints the Jehovah's people are somewhat cult-ish, a bit like Scientologists perhaps, without so much money passing hands though, I assume(?!). Overall, I would recommend this film, yes.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

clare k

This is an intimate, understated film about faith and family, and what people are willing to do for them. Quiet, introspective and ultimately devastating.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Daniel Kokotajlo

Director

Siobhan Finneran

Ivanna

Sacha Parkinson

Luisa

Molly Wright

Alex

Robert Emms

Steven

Steve Evets

Brother Terry

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Joseph Walsh

Time Out

It is a quietly brilliant work that balances the conflicts of three women, and the trio of actresses playing them give stunning performances.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 22, 2018

Full Review

Nikki Baughan

Sight & Sound

The proselytising is measured not in rally cries but in quiet, introspective moments.

Aug 1, 2018

Full Review

Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

Kokotajlo presents this world from the perspective of somebody who has experienced and understands it.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 29, 2018

Full Review

Jim Ross

TAKE ONE Magazine

Armageddon may not come during APOSTASY, but Kokotajlo's film chronicles the destruction of smaller and more personal worlds in a manner that grips from genesis to final revelations.

Feb 13, 2020

Full Review

Jason Best

Movie Talk

This is a highly impressive feature debut for writer-director Daniel Kokotajlo, who draws on his insight and experiences as a former Jehovah's Witness to create a sensitive exploration of faith and family, freedom and community.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 12, 2019

Full Review

Louise Burrell

One Room With A View

An interesting story that never finds its path, Apostasy is confused, long-winded and lacking any real direction.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 11, 2019

Full Review

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Synopsis

Jehovah's Witnesses, Alex, Luisa, and their mother, are united in their devotion. But as Luisa starts to question the advice of the elders, she makes a transgression that leaves the whole family in fear of God's wrath.

Director: Daniel Kokotajlo
Executive Producer: Christopher Granier-Deferre, Christopher Moll
Screenwriter: Daniel Kokotajlo
Production Co: Frank & Lively, Zelig Sound, Oldgarth Media
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English (United Kingdom)
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 5, 2018

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