Faults

Released Mar 6, 2015

1h 29m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

List

92%

37 Reviews

Tomatometer

68%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

A renowned authority on mind control encounters a formidable challenge when he is hired to deprogram a strong-willed cultist.

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Critics Consensus

Faults explores the cult dynamic to fascinating effect, bolstered by an outstanding cast and sharp work from writer-director Riley Stearns.

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Wayne K

Films about cults have the potential to be endlessly fascinating because their mere existence tells us so much about human nature. We can form communities with the most disparate of individuals, we'll sacrifice anything for a sense of belonging, and we'll believe and do anything, no matter how evil, if we've been conditioned to obey a person or group we otherwise would have completely avoided. Faults focuses on the psychology and mental manipulation of a cult member, one who knows what they're doing is right, and it's the rest of the world that's wrong. Leland Orser plays the cult deprogrammer as a pathetic and weak individual who only has a single talent, and even that's doubtful. It's great watching him and Winstead play off each other, and you're constantly asking who's actually in control. Is the teacher taking charge, or is the student just making them think they are? It's the kind of film where not a lot really happens, but you still feel compelled to watch it. It's slow, steadily paced and dialogue driven, opting for deep psychological study rather than violent confrontations and life affirming platitudes. If you're interested in cults and how they shape the lives of their adherents, give Faults a watch and you might just learn something.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/20/23

Full Review

steve d

Ok but I expected a lot more. Didn't like the script at all.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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stoner j

OMG this movie is original as hell and has some really awesome metaphysical twists and turns with an awesome ending to boot.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Nick H

Very tense movie. Even though I knew what was coming at the end, it still held my attention. Would recommend.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/08/22

Full Review

william r

Well, that was a wild watch. What starts off as a sort of slapstick down-on-his-luck comedy gets turned on its head into something far more twisted and interesting over time. I really appreciate the genre bending going on here even if the ending did escape me a bit. Ira will stick with me for a bit.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

dan b

I loved it, never knew what was going to happen next, it was great

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Riley Stearns

Director

Leland Orser

Ansel

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Claire

Chris Ellis

Dad

David Chandler

Riley the Waiter

Jon Gries

Terry

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Allison Keene

Collider

Faults is a taught and charismatic work, and also the latest film to tackle the subject of cults in a quietly earnest way.

Mar 4, 2016

Full Review

John DeFore

Hollywood Reporter

By the time the film gets where it's going, viewers may identify more than they expect with those who've been controlled by others with hidden agendas.

Mar 4, 2016

Full Review

John Darnielle

Slate

Its final reveal is the sort of beautiful Twilight Zone fillip you see coming only about 10 seconds before it arrives, and I recommend seeing the movie without reading anything further about it: The payoff is that good.

Mar 4, 2016

Full Review

Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

Will keep the audience guessing about what forces are really at play in this genre-bender, yet doesn't necessarily come to a satisfying conclusion.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 20, 2023

Full Review

Q.V. Hough

Vague Visages

"Surprisingly, director Stearns spends little time navigating the physical world of 'Faults'; he takes a minimalist approach and produces a game of psychological chess."

Jul 1, 2022

Full Review

Stephen Saito

Moveable Fest

Orser and Winstead don't just seem ever-present with each other in their spats, but play up the physicality of their characters, whether it's Orser's shrunken sadsack demeanor or Winstead's expressive eyes that speak.

Nov 20, 2018

Full Review

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Synopsis

A renowned authority on mind control encounters a formidable challenge when he is hired to deprogram a strong-willed cultist.

Director: Riley Stearns
Producer: Brian Joe
Screenwriter: Riley Stearns
Distributor: Screen Media Films
Production Co: Snoot Entertainment
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 6, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 1, 2015
Runtime: 1h 29m

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