Gritty, and spare, Brigham Mcneely's ' Holy Heist' isn't your typical faith based film. A trio of brothers confront their past, their faith, a local preacher- turned cop and each other to pull one last bank job in a small southern town. The good guys are the bad guys here, and this film questions the sometimes thin line between right and wrong. Can anyone ever justify doing the wrong thing, even when it's for a good cause? Strong international cast. Not to be missed.
28 Reviews
Realistic Faith Film
JennStarr22 October 2020
The Holy Heist touches on a subject that everyone can relate to and doesn't shy away from a difficult subject. I've always felt that Faith-based films shied away from these subjects and makes them unrelatable. Also,I was blown away by the Cinematography and the cast provided great performances. There were two areas that I felt could improve the film. First, the pacing was slow for the scene where the Jefferson brothers were shooting on their property. I believe if the scene opened with Jack shooting his gun it would improved the pacing. Secondly, the sound was a little low during the scene when the brothers are leaving the house to rob the Bank. If the volume was higher it would improve the build up to the Bank Heist. Other than these two areas I felt that the cast and crew did a great job. I am a fan of BCM Productions and I can't wait to see their next film.
Action packed, but with a twist!
jmgraham-8612810 October 2020
Everyone who worked on this film did a great job! I was impressed with the performances of the actors as well as the cinematography in particular. There isn't really another film like this out there, so it really stands out. If you love action based films with an uplifting message then this film is for you. I can't wait to see what comes next from BCM Productions!
A watchable indie
kittysaysgo26 March 2022
What to say about this movie? It's a religious film, which automatically gives it a certain tint, but unlike most faith based indies does a decent job of skirting that and singing its own tune. Initial production elements are solid and interesting to look at.
It quickly bogs down, though. Too many unearned long takes. Too many close-ups and dramatic moments with characters we aren't invested with. Too many pointless moments emphasized and leaving us to wonder why. Despite at times decent acting, it was hard to believe the dynamic of the brothers at times, and take them seriously.
Overall a solid effort for an indie, that is to say a C+ and a reasonable chance the filmmakers grow into their next effort.
K.
It quickly bogs down, though. Too many unearned long takes. Too many close-ups and dramatic moments with characters we aren't invested with. Too many pointless moments emphasized and leaving us to wonder why. Despite at times decent acting, it was hard to believe the dynamic of the brothers at times, and take them seriously.
Overall a solid effort for an indie, that is to say a C+ and a reasonable chance the filmmakers grow into their next effort.
K.
What a waste of time !
ashlilb5 November 2020
Although I do not regret the company I had while watching this movie, I really do wish I could get these 90 minutes of my life back!
The horrible acting, boring story line, and no action made this a movie a 1 star at best!
Save your time and watch something else :)
Save your time and watch something else :)
Worst movie I have seen this year..
sehgalvarun15 October 2020
Its really really bad. First of all it's not a regular heist movie.
Movie is so slow, even 90min seemed too long. The acting performance of characters especially Bobby, loud makeup of the old lady, unnecessary long closeup shots .. its horrible. I want 90 min of my life back. Dont watch it.
Just because it Christian doesn't make it good
mtcsmurray31 October 2020
Faith-based Master Piece
arudicile10 October 2020
If you are looking for an incredible faith-based, uplifting movie, look no further! The Holy Heist is truly a master piece. To everyone who worked on this project, from cast to crew, you did incredible job and should be so proud. The story of the three brothers is something that many people face today. Its an incredible film and highly recommend watching!
Bland, with pumped up rating
alexey-klimenko14 October 2020
Go See it!!!!!
oilymom30 November 2020
It was an awesome movie!! I laughed. I clapped. I cheered. I smiled! At times, I was on the edge of my seat! The message is truly inspirational. The movie stays away from the usual Hollywood hype. It's clean.....No Side tracking on meaningless words or bad language. It doesn't shy away from talking about God or praying which you don't find in movies much anymore. I would highly recommend this movie to others!! The actors "Killed" it!!!
Great movie!
kellynart31 October 2020
Awesome Movie!!
jnorville-508186 December 2020
Amazing !
arieljaded9 September 2020
Reccomend watching
jay-252063 November 2020
A Terrific Faith-based Heist Thriller!
shancock-209108 September 2020
In the past five or six years, actor and filmmaker Brigham McNeely has made a name for himself in independent film circles. Having starred in different projects (Including two seasons of the Fox News Documentary series "Legends & Lies," and the acclaimed historical drama Our War), he first stepped behind the camera for 2016's Conviction, a faith-based film short that tackled a hot-button issue without any condemnation. With notice from that project, his follow-up film, the 2017 faith-based short feature Sacred, was released to great acclaim, and has been successful in its run on several online platforms, including Amazon Prime, Christian Cinema and PureFlix. With both films, McNeely has brought a realistic feel to the faith-based genre, setting them within a world that is both real, and relatable. And now, McNeely returns with his most ambitious production to date: the faith-based heist thriller/drama The Holy Heist.
The Holy Heist tells the story of the Jefferson brothers, three siblings who've grown up to be criminals, stealing money as a means of income. Led by middle-brother James (McNeely), he, along with eldest brother Jack (Greg Kriek, best known for movies such as Samson and The Recce), and youngest brother Bobby (Dillon Mann, Conviction), the three brothers are trying to continue their criminal crusade, while being pursued by their former pastor, now Police Detective, Danny (Danny M. Gray, Sacred). After a robbery comes off with limited returns, James considers giving up the life of crime, until a family emergency involving their mother (Dawn Hopson, Our War), and the chance at a bank heist with a $5 Million score, leads the brothers into one last robbery, to help their Mom, and save her home. But with Bobby experiencing a crisis of faith and conscience, and Jack becoming more and more mentally unstable, the brothers will face personal and logistical choices that will either win them fortune, or prison cells.
As he had done with his previous film, The Holy Heist is a faith-based film with grit, and realism, set within a world that is believable, and relatable. In a genre that is known for weak characterization and hackneyed storytelling, McNeely knows how to keep his stories grounded in realism, and his characters realistic, and giving the genre a bolt of excitement that is sadly lacking (Save for films from the Kendrick Brothers, who McNeely is definitely on par with in terms of quality).
The acting is overall fantastic in the film. Given top billing on the film is Grek Kriek, who does a fantastic job of bringing Jack Jefferson to life. Energetic, alcoholic, and downright insane, Kriek gives this over-the-top character a level of believability that you can't help but be fascinated by, even as his mental state deteriorates throughout the course of the film. As the head of the trio, McNeely (wearing multiple hats as writer, executive producer, director and actor) gives an equally powerful performance as James, giving his best performance to date in a film project. As the youngest brother, it can be said that Dillon Mann's Bobby Jefferson is the heart of the film. As they prepare for their biggest heist to date, Bobby becomes wracked by guilt over all that they've done, struggling with a long-dormant faith that is beginning to rise, while also struggling to keep in line with his brothers and their plans. Mann's performance is very nuanced, and you can't help but feel sympathy for him as he deals with his crises of faith and conscience.
Danny M. Gray, as Detective Danny, gives a terrific performance. A former pastor who left the pulpit to become police detective, his reasons are shrouded in mystery, as he works to bring the Jefferson brothers down, and stop their crime spree, despite a lack of hard evidence. Gray infuses the role with both mystery, and power, as he comes to realize that his actions could lead people to their deaths. The rest of the cast give solid, terrific performances.
From a technical and writing standpoint, the film is very close to top-notch for this genre. Cinematographer Darin Holliday (Sacred) creates some powerful, quality images that rival anything recently put out from Hollywood, and his editing of the film is fantastic, keeping the film moving along at a steady, dramatic pace. Sound design (With sound captured by A.D. Weighs) is overall phenomenal, and the original score by Alex Paspa gives the film further dramatic heft. Add in some great production values, and a steady directing hand by McNeely, The Holy Heist truly shines as one of the finest faith-based dramas ever made.
Overall, The Holy Heist is a fantastic faith-based film, with terrific performances, and quality production values, that gives a further burst of adrenaline to a genre that continues to provide an alternative to Hollywood's offerings. If you love the films with powerful, faith-inspired messages, or great heist films, then you're sure to enjoy The Holy Heist.
Grade: 9.5/10 (A)
The Holy Heist tells the story of the Jefferson brothers, three siblings who've grown up to be criminals, stealing money as a means of income. Led by middle-brother James (McNeely), he, along with eldest brother Jack (Greg Kriek, best known for movies such as Samson and The Recce), and youngest brother Bobby (Dillon Mann, Conviction), the three brothers are trying to continue their criminal crusade, while being pursued by their former pastor, now Police Detective, Danny (Danny M. Gray, Sacred). After a robbery comes off with limited returns, James considers giving up the life of crime, until a family emergency involving their mother (Dawn Hopson, Our War), and the chance at a bank heist with a $5 Million score, leads the brothers into one last robbery, to help their Mom, and save her home. But with Bobby experiencing a crisis of faith and conscience, and Jack becoming more and more mentally unstable, the brothers will face personal and logistical choices that will either win them fortune, or prison cells.
As he had done with his previous film, The Holy Heist is a faith-based film with grit, and realism, set within a world that is believable, and relatable. In a genre that is known for weak characterization and hackneyed storytelling, McNeely knows how to keep his stories grounded in realism, and his characters realistic, and giving the genre a bolt of excitement that is sadly lacking (Save for films from the Kendrick Brothers, who McNeely is definitely on par with in terms of quality).
The acting is overall fantastic in the film. Given top billing on the film is Grek Kriek, who does a fantastic job of bringing Jack Jefferson to life. Energetic, alcoholic, and downright insane, Kriek gives this over-the-top character a level of believability that you can't help but be fascinated by, even as his mental state deteriorates throughout the course of the film. As the head of the trio, McNeely (wearing multiple hats as writer, executive producer, director and actor) gives an equally powerful performance as James, giving his best performance to date in a film project. As the youngest brother, it can be said that Dillon Mann's Bobby Jefferson is the heart of the film. As they prepare for their biggest heist to date, Bobby becomes wracked by guilt over all that they've done, struggling with a long-dormant faith that is beginning to rise, while also struggling to keep in line with his brothers and their plans. Mann's performance is very nuanced, and you can't help but feel sympathy for him as he deals with his crises of faith and conscience.
Danny M. Gray, as Detective Danny, gives a terrific performance. A former pastor who left the pulpit to become police detective, his reasons are shrouded in mystery, as he works to bring the Jefferson brothers down, and stop their crime spree, despite a lack of hard evidence. Gray infuses the role with both mystery, and power, as he comes to realize that his actions could lead people to their deaths. The rest of the cast give solid, terrific performances.
From a technical and writing standpoint, the film is very close to top-notch for this genre. Cinematographer Darin Holliday (Sacred) creates some powerful, quality images that rival anything recently put out from Hollywood, and his editing of the film is fantastic, keeping the film moving along at a steady, dramatic pace. Sound design (With sound captured by A.D. Weighs) is overall phenomenal, and the original score by Alex Paspa gives the film further dramatic heft. Add in some great production values, and a steady directing hand by McNeely, The Holy Heist truly shines as one of the finest faith-based dramas ever made.
Overall, The Holy Heist is a fantastic faith-based film, with terrific performances, and quality production values, that gives a further burst of adrenaline to a genre that continues to provide an alternative to Hollywood's offerings. If you love the films with powerful, faith-inspired messages, or great heist films, then you're sure to enjoy The Holy Heist.
Grade: 9.5/10 (A)
Cutting Edge Christian Cinema
lstotts-223385 October 2020
This film takes the faith-based genre to new and uncharted territories in a time when our world seems to need it most. We live in a time where media seems to be all about pushing the limits and this film does so in a way that stays true to the values and morals you would expect in a Christian film while avoiding cliche storylines, over-righteous characters, or lacking entertainment value. The actors do a great job of portraying each character and their chemistry is evident throughout the film. The storyline is gritty and real. Being from a small town myself, I could certainly picture this story taking place right next door. What a great look at how our decisions impact our destiny...and ultimately how God can use even our worst mistakes to bring Him glory! A great film I would definitely recommend.
Wow!
michaelfrandberg10 October 2020
I feel this movie is such a true story, when we try to live our lives without God we always seem to stray in the wrong directions even until it takes us to a place of going to prison where God can set us down and say to us He loves us and that He has bigger plans for us, to show us true peace within. So encouraging to watch how God kept tugging at Bobby's heart throughout the film, same has been for me in my life! Loved this movie!!!!
Action with heart
ajbacchi5 October 2020
This was amazing movie
wortmanjl21 October 2020
Worth the watch.
klawton-5263421 December 2020
Not your average faith based movie
landonfam26 October 2020
Fantastic faith based movie!!!!!!
franniew-9072121 October 2020
Must see movie for young and old alike!
khaas-4062928 October 2020
This was an action packed film. It is great to see a family oriented movie without inappropriate content, cussing and the like that still keeps you on the edge of your seat. The storyline of the brothers keeps you interested and wanting more. This is a must-see!!
"Maybe you're our guardian angel, here to purge us of all unrighteousness??"
robinburdick24 November 2020
This movie was fabulous! If I could give it, 11 stars I would:) The Holy Heist had it all... action, drama, thrills and a sense of family. "You know, you've got to protect the ones you love." This is a must see. I love the way that God's message was incorporated into the film. Just over all, fantastic!!
Great Movie
ryanwortmancoe20 October 2020
This was a great movie. Glad I got to watch it
Was an awesome blessing. Just shows how much we go through in general. That even at our worst we can turn to Jesus. This isnt about religion its about faith and relationship with the Lord. Take time and watch the movie today.
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