Review: The Other Lamb
You are not the Shepherd.
Selah (Raffey Cassidy) was born into an all female cult lead by a single male calling himself the Shepherd. (Michael Huisman) His wives dress all in red, his daughters dress in blue. Selah is a daughter but the onset of puberty means wife-hood is likely not too far off, and she's beginning to question her faith.
Cult movies are always fascinating to me. They tend to feel similar, but usually they say the most visually. The Other Lamb is no exception. This is a film that relies heavily on its cinematography and tone. Many scenes are without dialogue. I haven't seen any director Malgorzata Szumowska's work, but she has a clear vision for how she wants this to look. I often felt cold just watching it, as Selah likely feels wandering to find their Eden all while doubting her faith.
Cassidy gave a breakout performance in 2018's Vox Lux and she continues to show her strength here. Cassidy does a great job of showing cracks in her pious nature. Reality will do that to you. Unfortunately Cassidy is the only actor given anything to do here. Huisman is the biggest name in this cast, and the script doesn't do him any favorites. Szumowska chose to shoot him like the sexiest man alive, which was probably her way of making up for why these women are following him in the first place.
I've commented on other reviews that this seems very similar to Them That Follow, and there are plenty, however I think that film was the stronger of the two. This might not be perfect, but I think it's worth the $5.00 rental price.
Recommended: Yes
Grade: B-
Memorable Quote: "What was she like?" - Selah (Raffey Cassidy)
I love your observation that cult movies usually say the most visually. I haven't thought about it before, but there is a ton of truth to that. This one worked for me too. I still wanted a little more backstory, but I was with it throughout.
ReplyDeleteMore backstory was definitely needed. I feel like that's another thing a lot of cult movies get wrong. It's like they don't feel like their audience is as invested in the "how" as they are with the "why?" I want to know how these people ended up in this situation. I like seeing what came before.
DeleteHuisman had absolutely zero charisma in this and I guess she thought since he is handsome and she showed him shirtless that would be enough but well....it wasn't :)
ReplyDeletelol right? This needed a bit more fine tuning.
DeleteI do want to see this because of my interest in cults as well as Raffey Cassidy whom I really enjoyed in Vox Lux which is an underrated film.
ReplyDeleteShe's great in Vox Lux! I hope she has a great career, she's doing wonderful so far.
DeleteNice review! I quite liked the fantastical side of the cinematography, though I wished the female characters had connected more halfway through. All of that walking in the middle of nowhere and all of your faith is in him? No way.
ReplyDeleteThey needed more context on why they were following this dude in the first place.
DeleteI have this on my list. Hopefully get to it soon!
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it!
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