Misfits on a Mission

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MOVIE REVIEW
Let's Start A Cult
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Ben Kitnick
Writer(s): Wes Haney, Ben Kitnick, Stavros Halkias
Cast: Stavros Halkias, Wes Haney, Eric Rahill, Katy Fullan, Daniel Simonsen, Scotty Nelson, Robert Kelly, Ethan Suplee, Phil "CM Punk" Brooks, Joe Pera, Zuri Salahuddin, Tom Papa
Where To Watch: in select theaters October 25, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: With a clever twist on the comedy genre, LET'S START A CULT steers clear of the typical journey I was expecting and delivers a spirited exploration of life's absurdities. Under the direction of Ben Kitnick, the film stitches together themes of misfit redemption and human connection, with Chip and William—played with a delightful lack of grace by Stavros Halkias and Wes Haney—attempting to revive their failed doomsday cult. The result is a narrative rich with both humor and provocation.

LET'S START A CULT veers off the traditional narrative highway, plunging into a chaotic blend of turmoil and unexpected adventures that defy the norm. Chip, the inept cult leader with grandiose delusions, is at the heart of this all, and William, his equally disillusioned partner in crime. Their relationship is unique, to say the least, providing a steady stream of comedic and touching moments. Along on this journey is an ensemble of unique characters.

The backdrop of rural America plays a significant role in the film, providing stark vistas that contrast sharply with the characters' wild escapades. This setting enriches the experience and underscores the themes of isolation and belonging, as the protagonists encounter an array of characters who are just as bizarre yet endearingly relatable. These include a disheartened soldier, a beleaguered single mother, and an enigmatic wanderer, each adding a unique thread to the larger story.

Scriptwriting in LET'S START A CULT is a high point, with Kitnick, Halkias, and Wes Haney sharing dialogue that exudes intelligence and wit. The screenplay navigates through comedic scenes and reflective moments, exploring why individuals might be drawn to cults or communities that promise a sense of belonging. This exploration is executed with great timing and charm, inviting the audience to reflect without ever feeling preachy.

Kitnick’s directorial approach shines, balancing the comedic with the profound. The plot's absurd elements never overshadow the characters' more profound struggles but rather highlight their search for meaning in a seemingly nonsensical world. This delicate equilibrium is one of the film's strengths, ensuring the laughter is never far from a deeper emotional resonance.

The film’s engagement with darker humor sets it apart in the crowded field of comedies. It tackles controversial and often taboo subjects with a refreshing take, challenging the audience to find amusement in the darker corners of the human experience.

LET'S START A CULT is a film that reflects on the nature of failure, the essence of redemption, and the unconventional shapes that family can take. Kitnick’s creation is not just a source of entertainment but a prompt for deeper contemplation on the absurd and beautiful task of finding one's place in the world. Its blend of dark humor and authentic human connection makes this film an unforgettable experience, likely to resonate with viewers long after the lights come up.

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[photo courtesy of DARK SKY FILMS]

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