Three junior news reporters Jake (Joe Swanberg) Sam (AJ Bowen) and Patrick (Kentucker Audley) document their journey to locate Patrick's sister Caroline (Amy Seimetz) who has joined a religious cult called Eden Parish located in a remote area of the jungle. Once they arrive and realize she is safe they make an effort to investigate what the cult is all about. All of the residents claim they are in paradise and have graciously endowed their faith in the mysterious leader known only as "The Father" played by Gene Jones. His presence when on on screen is nothing short of mesmerizing. He captures the profound believability of a cult leader who will do anything for his followers.
The first half of the film builds a tense foundation to the story in a way that indicates that something just isn't right at Eden Parish. While the reporters continue to dig deeper they're approached by some of the followers that want to leave with them. This sets off a chain reaction which leads to The Father willing his follows to commit mass suicide. The 2nd part of the film follows the parish members as some of them willingly "Drink the kool-aid" and those that refuse. While this atrocity unfolds the reporters are taken prisoner and eventually try to escape while the armed guards of the compound ensure that all the followers die.
The Sacrament does fall into the found footage genre but very easily could have been a standard film. Most found footage movies leave much to be desired with regards to the overall story being told but The Sacrament nails it. It's basically the story of the Jonestown Massacre, so if you are familiar with that event you will know what to expect.
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