Not great but certainly terrible so the title was half right. This film is drivel. The actors do their best to put it across but the inanities of the script defeat them at every turn. To stretch this thin material out to over 2 hours is an offense against all cinematic decency. I award the film 2 stars in sympathy for the actors and for the one good shot in the whole movie. At the end when both characters are gazing at the horizon raptly at the last moment we see the woman cast a sidelong glance at the guy which definitely spells 'the sooner I get away from this lunatic the better.'
22 Reviews
Not Bad as others think!
robynheavner14 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was rather tedious! Alot of dialogue, talk, talk! Girlfriend and Boyfriend spend a weekend away from it all! The boyfriend starts Rampling on about being God, this is after they both drink wine and smoke a joint! He points out the creation, how the world is, Adam and Eve, the exsitance of good vs evil and Gods love for his creation. That Love and Trust in God go hand in hand! The girlfriend is told she has free will, to accept and trust God or be in dam nation in hell! She is told she will die and go to hell if she doesn't accept God in her life. Accepting God then have eternal life in Heaven! Is her boyfriend really schzio or is God talking to her through him! The devil is even present through the boyfriend but briefly! Then God reappears! She has accepted God! Ending in her and the boyfriend watching sunrise together! I got it and I thought the movie was good! He may not be for everyone. The movie could of been shorten in time run, it is too long! With shorter time run, the message would still come across! The music at the end was great!
Interesting idea, made by the wrong people
YayNayorMeh2 February 2022
I am a fan of films that are largly two people talking. The End Of The Tour, Southside With You, The Two Popes and Linklater's Before trilogy are all films I have really appreciated. I was hoping for something similar here, but didn't get it.
Broadly speaking given the premise I think there are three legitimate answers as to what's going on:
Scenario 1: He is a dangerously manipulative man (or possibly cult leader) who has lured his latest conquest to the middle of nowhere.
Scenario 2: He is a nice guy who is suffering from a severe psychotic break.
Scenario 3: He is God, or at least channelling God
What I was hoping for was a film where all three of those scenarios were equally valid and given equal weight in the discussions between these two individuals. It very quickly becomes apparent that instead what we are going to get is a LONG theology/philosophy seminar debating the existence of God. It also becomes apparent early that the film-makers have a goal they want to get to. Both the directors went to a college in Pennsylvania founded by an Evangelist and the male lead is the son of a famous Texan country singer. You can guess what side of the theology debate they come down on.
It's also amateurishly made. The score is an obtrusive mix of Carpenter-esque electronica and church organs, the sound mix in general is severely sub-par and edits within the same scene are often stilted and awkward. There are even some scenes where the framing is off. This didn't strike me as 'I'm going to break the rules for an artistic reason' it struck me as 'I don't know what the rules are'.
Essentially this is 2 hours of proselytising. It has some OK ideas and OK acting, but it doesn't need to be this long and it doesn't need to come so firmly down on a specific side.
Broadly speaking given the premise I think there are three legitimate answers as to what's going on:
Scenario 1: He is a dangerously manipulative man (or possibly cult leader) who has lured his latest conquest to the middle of nowhere.
Scenario 2: He is a nice guy who is suffering from a severe psychotic break.
Scenario 3: He is God, or at least channelling God
What I was hoping for was a film where all three of those scenarios were equally valid and given equal weight in the discussions between these two individuals. It very quickly becomes apparent that instead what we are going to get is a LONG theology/philosophy seminar debating the existence of God. It also becomes apparent early that the film-makers have a goal they want to get to. Both the directors went to a college in Pennsylvania founded by an Evangelist and the male lead is the son of a famous Texan country singer. You can guess what side of the theology debate they come down on.
It's also amateurishly made. The score is an obtrusive mix of Carpenter-esque electronica and church organs, the sound mix in general is severely sub-par and edits within the same scene are often stilted and awkward. There are even some scenes where the framing is off. This didn't strike me as 'I'm going to break the rules for an artistic reason' it struck me as 'I don't know what the rules are'.
Essentially this is 2 hours of proselytising. It has some OK ideas and OK acting, but it doesn't need to be this long and it doesn't need to come so firmly down on a specific side.
PURE GABBAGE
anasheed197827 December 2021
Atypical genre, atypical movie, almost Experimental Theatre
A_Different_Drummer28 December 2021
Howdy. For the record, since the majority of reviews here are from members who have only ever done ONE review and then astonishingly decided this specific film is a "10." I am an IMDb Top Reviewer with 1700+ reviews, and not shilling for anyone. That said, to understand this film, take a look at THE MAN FROM EARTH 2007, also a low-budget indie with a very tiny cast, also a film which is 99% conversation --- which in a pinch could even pass for a stage play. THAT odd film (which is on my IMDb LIST of 150+ great films) is a delight, and became an instant cult classic. This is the same kind of film, a film intended to get under your skin simply by the brilliance of the writing alone. In its way-too-long 2 hour runtime, it succeeds only occasionally which, in this competitive and time sensitive world, just won't cut it. "A" for effort. But the end result is simply not tight enough.
Truly inane, glad I wasn't in a theater
imdb-2382128 December 2021
This is a low budget film that needs an excuse to pad its absurd 2 hour running time. The entire film takes place in a large house in the woods and is virtually all talk and discussion about whether her boyfriend is really the god - or a killer? Who cares? 99.9% of people would leave the house. Run out of the house. But not here. The frightened girlfriend just stays for an extended inane sermon, speech, ranting about heaven and hell for the better part of 2 hours.
This might be one of the worst films I've scene. It is like an experimental theater expert except it has no purpose at all. There are films like The Man From Earth which doesn't have the fear factor that someone should be leaving ASAP and has absolutely no reason to stay in alone in the house in the country. I don't even know how to describe this. I'll give the film 1 star for the actress who does a fine job in selling the worst script I've ever seen/heard.
This might be one of the worst films I've scene. It is like an experimental theater expert except it has no purpose at all. There are films like The Man From Earth which doesn't have the fear factor that someone should be leaving ASAP and has absolutely no reason to stay in alone in the house in the country. I don't even know how to describe this. I'll give the film 1 star for the actress who does a fine job in selling the worst script I've ever seen/heard.
2 hour advertisement for Christianity.
xhel29 December 2021
Terrible Film of the Year
burnthis-64-62053429 December 2021
The whole film amounts to a two hour religious monologue. If you would enjoy spending the same time reading a turgid religious tract then go for it. Otherwise you'll find it a dreadful grind and complete waste of time.
Poor attempt to use mainstream media to preach
zep4230 December 2021
If you are hesitant to watch this movie, because you fear it will be a poor attempt to preach at you and convince you to become a Bible fan, then you are absolutely right.
It's an assault on common sense. Avoid at all cost!
It's an assault on common sense. Avoid at all cost!
Excessively long, surprisingly almost none of the reviewers understood it
tackinu28 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The acting is very well done, as is the camera work by this single camera man. That being said, the actual plot was painful. This movie would be a bit boring even if it was barely over an hour. At over two hours, it is painful. Very painful. Ultimately because the drama comes from a great claim without any proof, after awhile they start to recycle arguments.
I personally was a bit disappointed in the ending with how it turned out. However, after coming here and almost everyone thinking this is religious propaganda I actually changed my mind. Apparently almost nobody understood what was actually happening in this movie. In which case, well done to the writer.
SPOILERSSSS SPOILERSSSS SPOILERSSSS SPOILERSSSS The dude has mental health issues and targeted her because he thought he could control her. I went through a cult podcast phase and worshiping & accepting a human as Jesus/God/A deity is the number one thing cult leaders usually do. We see this throughout the film with logic fallacies in his claims and a very skewed belief of she must do to be 'saved', which is accepting him specifically as Jesus/God/Whatever. At the start of the film he demands she stares into his eyes and basks in just his gaze (it's an odd scene), and near the end he almost straight up murders her for not admitting & accepting him as God. At the end of the film he tells her there is work to do, then shushes her when she asks questions. Then they stare into a sunset like two people tripping on a psychedelic
This movie is about a man convincing a woman to worship and accept him as God. The questions I have are is she his first victim? Does he have a cult already? Is he making a cult or is this some kind of extra mental health issue flavor of spousal abuse? I am honestly a little surprised that most of these reviews didn't pay attention. To be fair, even I had to skip like 2/5 of this movie because he male character was just repeating similar arguments over and over.
I personally was a bit disappointed in the ending with how it turned out. However, after coming here and almost everyone thinking this is religious propaganda I actually changed my mind. Apparently almost nobody understood what was actually happening in this movie. In which case, well done to the writer.
SPOILERSSSS SPOILERSSSS SPOILERSSSS SPOILERSSSS The dude has mental health issues and targeted her because he thought he could control her. I went through a cult podcast phase and worshiping & accepting a human as Jesus/God/A deity is the number one thing cult leaders usually do. We see this throughout the film with logic fallacies in his claims and a very skewed belief of she must do to be 'saved', which is accepting him specifically as Jesus/God/Whatever. At the start of the film he demands she stares into his eyes and basks in just his gaze (it's an odd scene), and near the end he almost straight up murders her for not admitting & accepting him as God. At the end of the film he tells her there is work to do, then shushes her when she asks questions. Then they stare into a sunset like two people tripping on a psychedelic
This movie is about a man convincing a woman to worship and accept him as God. The questions I have are is she his first victim? Does he have a cult already? Is he making a cult or is this some kind of extra mental health issue flavor of spousal abuse? I am honestly a little surprised that most of these reviews didn't pay attention. To be fair, even I had to skip like 2/5 of this movie because he male character was just repeating similar arguments over and over.
Terrible
nicola-palmer4 January 2022
Not to be pretentious...
WermhatsWormHat31 May 2022
But this was like so totally over your head simpletons, like literally, like go to college or sumtin... I hate when people do that but these previous reviews are extra silly. Most people really didn't get it or even find the ballpark. It seems like religious people are mad at it for not being about their religion, atheists are mad at it for being too much about religion, and horror fans are mad for it not being horror (that last one is kind of valid). Its a slow building thought provoking mostly dialogue based single location movie, so if that's not exciting enough then I get that, but that's not what most people are critiquing so that's weird to me.
I really enjoyed it myself. It kept me guessing as to the nature of the reality of the film until the end which I loved. Lots to think about if you have an open mind and go in blind without expectations or religion hangups. I don't know that I agree with the filmmakers or can even tell where they stand on most of the ideas explored, but it was definitely interesting and fun to ponder. Starts slow but definitely inflicts a growing sense of dread and suspense that leads to an ending I found very satisfying, others may not, I'd get that. Very unique and new and smart, don't see those adjectives much from modern movies, cant think of a movie to compare it to, so this one deserves much higher praise I think. Want to see more from whoever's responsible for this with a bigger budget.
I really enjoyed it myself. It kept me guessing as to the nature of the reality of the film until the end which I loved. Lots to think about if you have an open mind and go in blind without expectations or religion hangups. I don't know that I agree with the filmmakers or can even tell where they stand on most of the ideas explored, but it was definitely interesting and fun to ponder. Starts slow but definitely inflicts a growing sense of dread and suspense that leads to an ending I found very satisfying, others may not, I'd get that. Very unique and new and smart, don't see those adjectives much from modern movies, cant think of a movie to compare it to, so this one deserves much higher praise I think. Want to see more from whoever's responsible for this with a bigger budget.
Interesting enough
YRLY59E28 December 2021
Interesting psychological movie that draws a persons faith into question and the potential ramifications of their beliefs. It executes what it does quite well. My biggest gripe is it's easily 30 minutes too long. After a certain point enough of the premise is set that it becomes somewhat repetitive in what it's trying to explain (something I can't get into without spoiling the plot too much). I consider it worth a watch, I just wish they'd have tightened it up in terms of length.
Probably the best argument for evolution made.
ilkhaniv21 March 2022
The cast was competent. The idea compelling. But a mere mortal's perspective communicated. There were a few moments when I felt joy at the possibility his character was real. But in all it just fell flat. It is two hours of waiting for something.
No stars from me
deadgirlrising28 December 2021
This is NOT a horror movie by any stretch of the imagination. It is a proselytizing piece of drivel filled with logical fallacies and flaws in reasoning. The god is not one from any religious text, totally made up by the screenwriter. The acting is terrible. And at 2+ hours it is 120 minutes too long.
The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord
sigmaoctanusiv-128336 November 2021
A wonderful debut film from Directors Jared Jay Mason and Clark Runciman, Taking you through a philosophical journey of faith and what the ultimate cost of losing your faith.
The performances from the two leads. Swayde McCoy does a masterclass of playing through as the great and mighty Lord, Also as the loving and confused Boyfriend Michael.
Jordan Ashley Grier as Gabby is captivating and clever as she tries to realize what is real and what isn't which creates a thrilling and exciting narrative from first time Directors.
The single location helps you feel as Claustrophobic as our leads in this secluded cabin deep in the woods.
A dialogue filled master piece that leaves you wanting more and more highly recommend
The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.
The performances from the two leads. Swayde McCoy does a masterclass of playing through as the great and mighty Lord, Also as the loving and confused Boyfriend Michael.
Jordan Ashley Grier as Gabby is captivating and clever as she tries to realize what is real and what isn't which creates a thrilling and exciting narrative from first time Directors.
The single location helps you feel as Claustrophobic as our leads in this secluded cabin deep in the woods.
A dialogue filled master piece that leaves you wanting more and more highly recommend
The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.
Faith Play on film
billcr1229 December 2021
I have seen the comparison to The Man from Earth and it is a fair one. That was a better film but I still was drawn in by this one. It is a two character play type of movie set at a secluded house in the woods. Michael and Gabrielle(I get it), are a young couple on a getaway when Mike suddenly declares himself to be God and lectures Gabrielle on faith. Is he the Lord or a lunatic? My own doubting Catholic background made me ponder the questions raised by the script. I did not predict the ending and although a bit too long, I can recommend this film.
An allegorical drama of the tempestuous relationship between Jim Morrison and Pamela Courson, or
AlexanderAnubis30 December 2021
Maybe that of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen, or
maybe that of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, or
maybe that of Fred Allen and Portland Hoffa, or
maybe that of Joan and Christina Crawford, or
maybe that of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, or
maybe that of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine, or
maybe that of Tutahnkamun and Ahnkesunamun, or
maybe that of Pygmalion and Galatea, (before Aphrodite interceded), or
maybe that of Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agripinilla the Younger?
No, Jim and Pam, I think. See, there was this rock n' roll god-poet-lizard-demon-genius, who went to college, and his romantic muse...and these three other guys who could actually write and play music quite well.
But in truth, 'tis a mystery best left to the Sphinx, Oliver Stone, and others whose heads are made out of rock.
XYZ
PS: Chuck Berry wrote many of Shakespeare's plays.
maybe that of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, or
maybe that of Fred Allen and Portland Hoffa, or
maybe that of Joan and Christina Crawford, or
maybe that of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, or
maybe that of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine, or
maybe that of Tutahnkamun and Ahnkesunamun, or
maybe that of Pygmalion and Galatea, (before Aphrodite interceded), or
maybe that of Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agripinilla the Younger?
No, Jim and Pam, I think. See, there was this rock n' roll god-poet-lizard-demon-genius, who went to college, and his romantic muse...and these three other guys who could actually write and play music quite well.
But in truth, 'tis a mystery best left to the Sphinx, Oliver Stone, and others whose heads are made out of rock.
XYZ
PS: Chuck Berry wrote many of Shakespeare's plays.
A Psychological and Spiritual Day of the Lord
The_Dingon17 November 2021
Mason & Runciman's , "The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord" is a great homage to the psychological/supernatural thrillers of the 70s & 80s. This modern, unique and refreshing approach to a 2,000 year old subject conveys extreme urgency with getting ones mental and spiritual health inline, without the doom and gloom for which the western world has become quite bored with.
Isolated in a cabin in the woods with only their significant other and (possibly) God to speak with. The dialogue between Michael (Swayde Mccoy) and Gabby (Jordan Grier) is a verbal waltz that few movies and actors have done executed as well in recent years.
Every exchange and shot is done with intent, meaning and purpose to punctuate that every moment passing for Gabby is a moment closer to this "death" Michael told her she would happen.
Gabby and Michael show the entire gamut of emotions. From the beginning when they are all about the I love yous to the part where they both seem be on the bring of insanity.
The film was excellently written, wonderfully cast and beautifully shot. A great subject to attack and, done so with not only an appreciation to film making but with a reverence for the subject of spirituality.
A great debut for Mason & Runciman.
Isolated in a cabin in the woods with only their significant other and (possibly) God to speak with. The dialogue between Michael (Swayde Mccoy) and Gabby (Jordan Grier) is a verbal waltz that few movies and actors have done executed as well in recent years.
Every exchange and shot is done with intent, meaning and purpose to punctuate that every moment passing for Gabby is a moment closer to this "death" Michael told her she would happen.
Gabby and Michael show the entire gamut of emotions. From the beginning when they are all about the I love yous to the part where they both seem be on the bring of insanity.
The film was excellently written, wonderfully cast and beautifully shot. A great subject to attack and, done so with not only an appreciation to film making but with a reverence for the subject of spirituality.
A great debut for Mason & Runciman.
A brilliantly written emotional roller coaster...
knickerbockergaga30 November 2021
This film is thought provoking and brilliantly written from the opening shot to the closing credits. A taut and emotionally paced psychological thriller that will keep you intrigued throughout. Solid performances by both Swayde McCoy and Jordan Grier who did amazing work with the phenomenal dialogue written by Jared Mason. First time directors, Mason and Runciman did an outstanding job conveying the heart pounding tone in this visually stunning setting. The beautiful musical score that accompanies this film sets just the right tone throughout.
Whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs may be prior to viewing this film, Mason will have you questioning and challenging long-held convictions both during the film, as well as long after, as this will resonate with viewers for quite some time.
A masterful debut film that must be seen!
Whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs may be prior to viewing this film, Mason will have you questioning and challenging long-held convictions both during the film, as well as long after, as this will resonate with viewers for quite some time.
A masterful debut film that must be seen!
Very Thought Provoking!!!
markdelao-7106512 November 2021
This Movie Was Unlike Anything I Have Ever Seen. The Answers That Were Given From Michael To Gabby's Religious Questions Were Brilliantly Delivered. The Writing & Directing For A First Time Movie Is Solid. The Two Leads Did A Stellar Job With Delivery And Keeping The Audience Engaged. I Am Extremely Hopeful That This One Of A Kind Movie Will Be Remembered As A Unique Daring Thriller. Great Things Are Coming For All Of These Players!!!
Regards,
Regards,
Brilliance!
boalesn12 November 2021
Unlike any movie....very unique!! I loved it! This movie kept my attention from start to finish with a few laughs . You chose the perfect actors for the job it made me think about my own faith. Jared and Clark you are brilliant minds and I cant wait to see what the future holds for you guys.... Wishing you the best on all your future endeavors.
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