Carly May Borgstrom’s debut film Spirit in the Blood is messy but likable. As a psychological horror thriller, Borgstrom tries to deliver something new. At first, it was not quite clear what she was aiming for—is the focus on the cult-like community or the impact of dysfunctional households on teens?—but gradually she found her voice and stuck to it. Summer H. Howell is brilliant as the timid teen, Emerson Grimm. Other than a few glitches, Spirit in the Blood is an enjoyable, visually alluring, feminist horror film.

The Grimm family moved to a suburban town in Canada. Julian had spent his childhood in the small town, and after years of living outside the community, he realized that he had to return home. The church community was tight-knit, and everyone respected and followed the guidance of Pastor Carl. Julian’s daughter, Emerson, was not impressed by the town and its people.