The Other Lamb (2019) User Reviews

Boring sometimes, but always beautiful

[jess_td · 6/10 · 10 June 2020]

SPOILERS AHEAD

Could it have been a brilliant medium length film? Absolutely. Instead the director preferred to make a feature film that for the most part is quite boring. But it's BEAUTIFULLY made. Three scenes bothered me in particular. The first was a silly fight between Evelyn and Selah when the latter apparently offended one of the wives (???)... it wasn't clear to me what was the offense and the conflict between the two girls was pathetically acted (overall I liked the acting in the film, but to me this scene was painful to watch). The second is a scene where, in a dream, Selah "paints" her cheeks warrior style with blood. It was too literal and obvious, contradicting the subtlety of the other dreams and visions she had. The last scene was also too obvious and wrapped the film in a cliche way, with the women staring at the camera. I know it was supposed to symbolize their awakening and revenge, but it could have been so much more subtle.

I thought the script treated the exiled woman (the broken thing) very lightly, with little to no importance and then out of the blue the main character remembers her (with a beautiful description of a woman that was made of moon and teeth) as if she had been a hero to them. I think she really was, but only because I assumed it myself, the film didn't manage to sucessfully deliver that ideia at all.

Although the film is too dragged and has some factors that bother me, it has good performances, nice singing and the best of it all: it is filmed with mastery, you can fill your eyes with such beauty.

the story of a christianesqe cult

[killercharm · 5/10 · 21 April 2020]

This is the story of a christianesqe cult of all women and their one master living out in the woods. For the life of me I don't see why this is touted as a horror movie, marketing gambit? It is these women's pleasure to serve their shepherd hand and foot...and booty. It's the very slow, long, drawn out story of one of his daughters finally opening her eyes to his real "ideology" and his real treatment of these women. Plus, it didn't hurt that his own arrogance finally got the better of him. As slow as this is, and as NOT a horror story as this is, I was somehow held by the story. I found myself drawn - maybe by the lush cinematography.

I will give you my grace

[jfgibson73 · 5/10 · 7 March 2021]

The movie looks very nice with lots of shots of wilderness and such. It is a very slow burn with an extremely serious tone. Whether it's worth watching is entirely wrapped up in whether you think the payoff made it worthwhile. I personally liked the ending, but didn't think it had enough story for a full length movie.

They called him the Shepherd, he was Good, except when he was very Bad.

[TxMike · 9 September 2020]

This is not your general mainstream movie. It uses lots of symbolism and short flashes of scenes that may or may not have really happened. When the movie is over you don't really know for sure.

As the movie begins we see a large group of females, some young some mature, all dressed in plain long sackcloth dresses. They live off the grid in a strangely stark area. We see the sole man, whom they call Shepherd, with his facial hair and demeanor reminds us of the Caucasian view of what Jesus may have looked like. And we see a flock of sheep, expertly guarded by a well-trained Border Collie. This is a cult.

What is immediately conspicuous is the absence of any males among the children. What we eventually glean, but isn't spoken, is that Shepherd sees to it any male child born is eliminated. A flock can have only one ram. But a cult can't go on forever, eventually a strong willed person will start a rebellion.

I enjoy all kinds of movies, even if I don't relish the theme. This is a well-made movie, the acting is appropriate and the cinematography is excellent, making creative use of the stark Irish landscape.

I am glad I took the time, but I suspect most who favor mainstream type movies will not enjoy this one.

It looks nice and...well it looks nice.

[terrencepatrix · 3/10 · 3 April 2020]

Beyond the synopsis there really isn't anything else to this movie. What you read is what you get, that's the entire plot, there's no real spoilers or even anything to spoil at all. This is a movie that is a good 80% exposition without dialogue or plot development, you're just watching them move around or stare off into space. It also bounces around a little bit at times just to keep you guessing if something is actually happening or imagined...but it doesn't really matter because nothing is ever actually explained because there's no narrative or plot.

It's not a good movie, the acting is hard to judge because you don't really know what they're aiming for, and honestly it just doesn't make much sense overall since nothing is explained. The cinematography is fantastic, the cast looks great, but there's no real acting or story to see here. I just felt it seemed very pointless by the end.

Sad and Eire

[Neon_Gold · 7/10 · 22 November 2021]

This movie is very "arty". It's a slow, almost character study film. It's portrays these peoples lives and that's it. There are no major stakes or plot. It's just very uncomfortable and sad but intriguing.

It looks amazing. I think the cinematography was lovely. The locations are too. I also think the costumes are amazing and thoughtful. All the woman are dressed in poppy synthetic colours, this makes them stand out against the nature around them. It is a simple idea but genius.

I think you could watch if you like slow, intriguing films.

I made an IMDB account to write this review

[sgrantkyle · 3/10 · 29 April 2020]

I am a 28 year old man and have never written a movie review before, but after seeing this film I felt compelled to make an IMDB account and write about how utterly pretentious this movie was. My God. This could've made a great short story if it only took fifteen minutes to tell what the directors managed to drag out in an hour and a half.

This cult features actors all so physically perfect, they literally abandoned their reusable shopping bags in the middle of Santa Monica Blvd. to run away and adopt their newly found Amish lifestyle.

This is the movie liberal arts majors turned hipster bartenders love to mention and roll their eyes when someone does not agree that this is the best movie of 2020 and Hollywood would never understand.

I loved Hereditary, Midsommar, the Witch, Suspiria and any other cool, heady, disturbing newer horror film, but the Other Lamb just didn't cut it for me.

I don't doubt the actors of this film are talented, but with such a meek, uneventful plot, none of them really got a chance to shine. Three stars for the preceding fact, along with the beautiful cinematography that makes it look like a very long, hip music video.

The Cult Phenomenon

[TwistedContent · 7/10 · 3 April 2020]

Polish filmmaker Malgorzata Szumowska, together with writer C.S. McMuller, presents a visually stunning, excellently performed, unsubtle and ideologically rich look at the cult/messiah phenomena, gendered power, narcissism and emotional imprisonment. It's a smart slow-burner with a touch too slight on some of the presented themes & threatens to be style>substance throughout, but it's a journey worth taking.

"The Other Lamb" is a revenge/female empowerment fable, a story about a Shepherd and his flock, or, in other words, a self-proclaimed narcissistic Messiah (played by Michiel Huisman) who's been devoting his life to creating a cult where he can be the only man, with multiple wives and daughters. The movie puts us in the mind of Selah (portrayed compellingly by Raffey Cassidy) as we go through her journey from being an utter devotee to the cult's 'cause' to the inevitable table-turn and revenge. Szumowska's direction and Cassidy's powerful and relatable performance grants a success at putting the viewer where it wishes to. "The Other Lamb", as compared to other movies about cults, doesn't explore the evil, abuse or psychology behind it all on a satisfactory level, meaning we don't get any real closure. However, it redeems some of the flaws with being visually captivating, the cinematography's patient, environments are scarily beautiful, coloring is eye-pleasing, and it's all presented in a somewhat rare, full 1920*1080 aspect ratio. Without a doubt, a lot in "The Other Lamb" relies on atmosphere of isolation, both physical and mental, and this shot the director does not miss. Despite the subjective substance flaws, at the end of it all "The Other Lamb" still has a strong perspective on actual issues, showed through a prism of cult politics and gender inequality.

It's no "Midsommar" or "The Wicker Man", holds back in the department of violence and shock, but, as far as horror movies go, "The Other Lamb" is a fairly great addition to the slow-burn, atmospheric, visually beautiful shelf of horror movies. Also, even though set in this century, it very much feels like a folk horror. My rating: 7/10.

Pretentious nonsense

[MisterButts · 2/10 · 21 May 2020]

The camera work and cinematography is excellent but that's all this movie had going for it. I really don't know what the point or message was supposed to be. One reviewer said it's an allegory for the patriarchy and toxic masculinity oppressing women. The storyline was very weak. Nothing climatic really happens. Wish I hadn't wasted my time.

Strays far from being an engaging presentation

[Sir_AmirSyarif · 6/10 · 16 July 2020]

Despite its spellbinding cinematography, thoughtful imagery, and captivating performances from Raffey Cassidy and Michiel Huisman, 'The Other Lamb' strays pretty far from being an engaging presentation due to the lacks of tension and stakes needed on its story to make this film as fascinating as it had the potential to be.

Hmmm

[derek-duerden · 5/10 · 23 September 2021]

Not sure about the comparisons to Midsommar, The VVitch, The Village and certainly not The Wicker Man. There's far less going on (literally) in this than in any of them. I didn't hate it, but I was certainly bored, and empathised more with the bemused policemen than anyone else. Nice sheep though.

Atmospheric, a visual treat, Raffey Cassidy shines

[staceyjmadden · 8/10 · 19 June 2020]

I saw this film at TIFF 2019. I didn't know what to expect going in, having never seen any of Malgorzata Szumowska's films. While I can understand that this film won't be everyone's cup of tea, I was mesmerized by the stunning visuals, the dreamlike atmosphere, and the slow-burn storytelling, all of which culminate in a violent but ultimately satisfying climax. Raffey Cassidy is excellent as the female lead, and Michiel Huisman, who I'm usually lukewarm on, does a surprisingly good job at playing a villain you love to hate. Over time, I can see The Other Lamb becoming a cult classic of sorts. And the film's final shot is one for the ages!

Chilling and Interesting

[DVN_Cataclysm · 7/10 · 9 April 2020]

Has a very creepy undertone. I enjoyed it, especially because of how plausible the scenario. What was eye-opening is my realization that there are cults like this around the world - a heartbreaking yet very real truth.

SPOILER: One scene shows the "Shepherd" slitting the throat of an infant white lamb. The last scene depicts the protagonist, Selah cradling a black lamb. This is symbolic; the Shepherd was truly evil; he would spill blood of even the innocent (the Bible uses a white lamb to represent the clean). Selah, wearing a stern expression on her face, cradles the black lamb, implying that she is protective of even the unclean (the Bible uses a black, or spotted, lamb to resemble impurity).

Just no

[colliervillekids · 1/10 · 4 April 2020]

Do not waste your time on this. I'm all for artsy films but this is just nothing beyond synopsis you've read. Beautiful to look at earns it 1 star.

Manson-like...

[Clearbay_327 · 3 May 2020]

Charismatic and manipulative cult leader. One of the "flock" starts to see through the BS. Things unravel at a brisk pace. You get the idea.

Put me to sleep

[advimrankhalid · 1/10 · 16 April 2020]

Very slow movie watched only half an hour and don't have the stamina to proceed further because nothing really happening. Watch it may be you like it but not for me. Note: Although i like these type of cult movies but this movie is not good at all.

slow burn

[jojules · 7/10 · 6 January 2023]

7/10 from someone who until recently hasn't watched much horror. But I've been starting to broaden my horizon's when it comes to genre. Even though I'm a big ole scary cat. I was prepared to switch it off when it got too much, however I found myself sucked in and unable to switch it off. The cast are so great in this and it was lovely to see the Irish countryside shown in a different way. Normally its quaint villages but not this time. This was an interesting take on the well trodden "Cult" storyline - it's always great when a young girl is as equally messed up as the "dude" in charge. I also thought the direction in this was really good - she made such great & strong choices, I'm excited to see what she does next. It's definitely worth a try!

Why?

[AceRoccola · 2/10 · 4 April 2020]

The Other Lamb is an utterly pointless retread of themes that have been better served in dozens of other films, all with more character and more purpose than this listless dirge. The plot is laid out in full in the synopsis. Nothing beyond that crops up in the film's entire runtime. It's just a dull regurgitation of themes that we've all seen done better. It has no insights to offer, not for the struggles of its characters or for the society that it's clearly addressed to.

I have to say, it's baffling to me that some reviewers are referring to this as a "revenge" tale. It definitely is not that. There is no revenge, no "turning of the tables" at any point. It's just an hour and a half of psychological torture, punctuated by a downer ending in which the "hero" and the rest of the cast are discarded like trash and the villain of the piece runs away scot-free. The dullards making the film probably thought this would be a chilling way to finish their half-formed narrative. If you really, really hate women, this finale might bring you some satisfaction. Anyone else can go look for a real film. Essentially any movie about this subject will be more worthwhile than this tired and unnecessary also-ran.

If The Wicker Man was the A Quiet Place of 1973 (i.e. it established the formula for a subgenre and was promptly ripped off in the ensuing years), this isn't quite as timely or relevant as the terrible Netflix ripoff that followed AQP with Stanley Tucci. It's not even on par with the sixth-rate DTV knockoffs that are coming out right now (e.g. Don't Speak). The Other Lamb is the movie that is still 50 years away, which will somehow do even less than any previous ripoff and leave audiences wondering why this story needed to be told again. With any luck, that future script will be tossed in the bin before it's foisted unto the moviegoing public, like this one should have been.

A good looking but slim story.

[parry_na · 6/10 · 5 November 2021]

'The Other Lamb' tells its slim story amidst some beautifully shot Irish locations. The acting on display from all concerned is very persuasive and convincing.

There is, however, an element of 'is that it?' as the final scene rolls along. There are no real surprises here, and the audience is allowed instead to follow events until the inevitable occurs at the end. That's not to say the influence of Shepherd (Michiel Huisman) isn't convincing - because it is - and his flock's devotion to him equally so.

We're not given any reasons, other than Shepherd took girls from their 'broken' lives to be with him, as to how he achieved his status, where he came from or what his aims were/are. Perhaps this is to perpetuate the view that he is truly as benign and timeless as he is seen to be.

Enjoyable and scenic, this won't thrill you with its story; but that doesn't seem the intention. My score is 6 out of 10.

intriguing but slow

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 17 November 2020]

Selah is a teen in a cult before her first blood. The group consists of daughters, wives, and a Christ-like figure, The Shepherd. Selah is a daughter who is eagerly looking forward to become a wife.

This sets up an intriguing world of a cult but it struggles to drive a compelling narrative. At one point, the Shepherd is basically the abusive dad who refuses to stop and ask for direction. The audience becomes part of the cult. Group-think demands that we submit but there's no way anyone would see the Garden of Eden. This needs more agency coming from Selah and earlier. This sets up an intriguing world but goes way too slowly in its narrative.

Goodish.... but missed a trick

[stevelivesey67 · 6/10 · 5 March 2022]

Good direction and acting, held my attention all the way through although a little slow on the edit. Possibly could have spent a little more time and effort in emphasising the suspense and horror elements rather than the arthouse vibe.

Most of the drama happens off camera like a Greek tragedy.

No...👎🏽

[penelope_gallegos · 2/10 · 7 April 2020]

The movie is plane and predictable, However is kind of repulsive and that is the only thing I've enjoyed... the repulsión for patriarchy that this movie portraits is absolutely on point and this movie really makes an excellent portrait of how disturbing patriarchy is. I couldn't watched all, I had to move fast forward to avoid the lengthy Plane and boring scenes that won't tell or add anything to the story. I don't recommend it

Looking good, feeling bad

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 16 August 2020]

Who's the lamb you may ask - and is it just one? Movies about cult groups can be tough. Or at least tough to watch. You can feel how wrong the while system is, how brainwashed the members are, but can't do anything than watch them being subjected to repress their individuality and worship the one true master.

Generally speaking I reckon you could see this as a feminist allegory, what with the big bad wolf (man) supressing women, making them his slaves. I'll let you decide if you feel that way and what that makes you feel about the movie. You can definitely see the allure of the man responsible for the whole thing. Not sure if this is based on a certain individual, but I reckon most cults could have been used as a blueprint, so ... tought to say.

What one can say, is that apart from the acting, the cinematography is plain amazing. Especially later on even mesmerizing. The pacing will not be everyones cup of tea, but if it is, you'll cherish this even more than I just did

Unnerving and of the time!

[CleaGall · 7/10 · 8 December 2020]

I recently saw this at the SWIFF. This script is excellent and it looks beautiful. Not normally a fan of horror or cult films but I found this one intriguing. Was also so proud to see an Australian had written it! If you like cult films this one is for you!

Nope

[seashell72 · 1/10 · 15 April 2020]

When I saw Michiel Huisman among the cast I expected a really good movie but what I found was boredom.