Savage Messiah (2002)

Based on real-life events in Canada in the late 1980's, social worker Paula Jackson investigated a commune run by a messiah-like figure who referred to himself as Moses. Jackson's findings ... See full summary »

Director:

Mario Azzopardi

Writer:

Sharon Riis (screenplay)

Stars:

Polly Walker, Luc Picard, Isabelle Blais

3 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Polly Walker	...	Paula Jackson
Luc Picard	...	Roch 'Moïse' Thériault
Isabelle Blais	...	Lise
Louis Ferreira	...	Vern (as Justin Louis)
Isabelle Cyr	...	Danielle
Julie La Rochelle	...	Suzette
Pascale Montpetit	...	Marie-Claude
Elizabeth Robertson	...	Magdalene
Domini Blythe	...	Gayle
John Dunn-Hill	...	Old man in farm
Kyra Azzopardi	...	Alinne
Tony Robinow	...	Judge Bonnard
Claude Préfontaine	...	Marie-Claude's Father
Susan Glover	...	Rod's Wife
Robert Higden	...	Grocery Store Owner / Clerk

Storyline

Based on real-life events in Canada in the late 1980's, social worker Paula Jackson investigated a commune run by a messiah-like figure who referred to himself as Moses. Jackson's findings uncovered disturbing mental and physical abuses of this cult's members by its maniacal leader. Soon, Jackson found herself fighting to save Moses's followers.

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Plot Keywords:

cult leader | social worker heroine | polygamy | investigation | sect | 

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Taglines:

He promised them...Love, Healing, SALVATION

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, disturbing images, sexual content and language

Details

Country:

Canada UK

Language:

French English

Release Date:

26 April 2002 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Die Bestie

Filming Locations:

Mirabel, Québec, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 4,200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Astral Films, Bernard Zukerman Productions, Corus

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Outstanding drama about a Manson-like cult

This excellent drama is one of the best films about a cult that I have seen since the early eighties (SPLIT IMAGE and TICKET TO HEAVEN spring to mind from that era). The supporting performance by Quebecois actress Isabelle Blais is Oscar-worthy. Her portrayal of a brainwashed woman who finally sees the light is the film's most memorable aspect, but all of the performances are top notch.