2018 * R * 1h 38m Olivia Coleman, as near as I can tell, has never been less than amazing in everything she's appeared in. And this film is no exception. The story takes place in Appalachia and she perfectly nails the accent. She plays a deeply religious and stern matriarch. I'm not a religious person, and seeing this film further confirms my conviction that most religions are inherently evil.
The story deals with a preacher Lemual (Walter Goggins), who leads a group of religious zealots who handle poisonous snakes to prove themselves before God. He's arranged to have her daughter Mara (Alice Englert) marry Garret (Lewis Pullman) a young parishioner. However, the young woman has a secret, which will cause an uproar once it's revealed. Mara is in love with her childhood friend Augie (Thomas Mann). Augie's parents are played by Ms. Coleman and Jim Gaffigan, who does a remarkable job playing a cold, cruel father. This is the first serious role I've seen him in and he's quite convincing.
All the actors were excellent, and Lemual was quite easy to hate. I thought Them That Follow was a powerful film about faith, family, and friendship. It was pretty creepy at times, especially the snake handling scenes. I know it's a work of fiction, but it sure makes me want to stay north of the Mason-Dixon line!
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.com. Also on Showtime.
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