Here is an intense and unique faith-based film, with the topic being spiritual warfare and demons vs. angels, as well as demons fighting Christians. This is the theme and focus. Based on the novel by Bob Leone, one of the strengths of this film is the acting.
The character of Lisa McGrath is excellently portrayed by Emily Gateley, as is the part of Jason Parks, played by Chandler Hancock. Jason becomes Lisa’s boyfriend, sometime later after he helps her pick up her schoolbooks, which she drops when she gets on the bus.
Lisa’s life is far from easy. She loves her horse Lucky and looks forward to riding him after school. But her parents, whom we later learn are demon possessed, are very hard on Lisa, especially her mother, Victoria (Mariah Quake). Her dad, Travis (Nikolas Mikkelsen) does not come to her aid.
When Lisa comes home one evening, excited to ride Lucky, she learns her mother has sold the horse, despite knowing how Lisa feels about Lucky. Her mother continues to nag Lisa. Lisa is crushed by the loss of Lucky, but she is invited by her friend, Tina, to attend a youth Bible study, and it is there that she sees Jason again. She finds out he leads the Bible study and as Jason and the others in the youth group minister to Lisa, she decides to accept Christ. When she does she experiences great joy, obviously displayed on her face. Unfortunately, her mother is none too pleased when Lisa arrives home with a Bible. We soon learn why-both Lisa’s mom and dad are demon-possessed.
This film is unquestionably slanted for the spiritually mature. It shows various characters, possessed by demons, attack Lisa and Jason, and other Christians. And Lisa and Jason are bloodied and hurt. We learn that the demons have a special hatred for Lisa as she can see demons and angels in the spiritual realm. Lisa is told that in 2 Kings the eyes of a man are opened to see that many warriors are standing against the enemies of Elijah. This is the explanation given as to why she has the gift to see the angels and demons.
The movie trumpets the name of Christ and the power of prayer, which is its greatest strength. If there is a concern, it’s that in some scenes demons are portrayed to be more powerful than the Christians at times, beating them up and bloodying them, although not entirely defeating them. It is possible that these scenes were meant to be symbolic of spiritual battles, but the demons are portrayed, at times, to be very powerful. And it’s said on a couple of occasions that the demon-possessed victims had no control over being set free, which seems to negate their free will to walk away from certain evil choices. Yet the good news is that several formerly possessed people are set free by the conclusion of the movie-mainly due to the involvement of the angels.
The film’s plot contains a bit of mystery, as a body is found in a dumpster and Jason and Lisa are falsely accused of dumping the body. The accusation of the enemy (the devil) is a theme of the film. Pastor Emery (nicely played by Adam Thayer), is in several scenes, offering counsel and encouraging the people to pray. A big fight takes place at the end, with the demons and angels drawing swords to fight and engage in combat. One of the combatants is pretty good with a martial-arts kind of kicking!
Are the demons of Cloverville defeated? Are Lisa’s parents set free? Do Lisa and Jason remain a couple? These questions are answered in the film. Due to its intense fights, and the low-raspy voiced demons, the film is awarded our Dove seal for Ages 12+. It has earned it with its mention of Jesus and prayer and God’s word. However, it is not a film for everyone and even Christians should check out the content listing to make sure they are comfortable in viewing it.
The Dove Take
Demons are real and very mean in this spiritual film which focuses on spiritual warfare and the vileness of the demons.
