Film Review – Agnes

“Agnes” is being marketed as an exorcism picture, and there is some degree of possible demonic possession involved in the story. However, all that hellraising is only a small part of the plot, and those paying to see such religious fury and spiritual manipulation should be aware that while the studio is hoping to sell the movie as something horrific, co-writer/director Mickey Reece isn’t making that kind of film. He’s after a character study, and a slightly strange one, examining the power of evil and the illusion of submission, but also the challenges of religious repression and basic human grief. “Agnes” is all over the place, with distinct sides to the viewing experience, watching Reece attempt to shake off expectations by serving up familiar images of violence before switching to more intimate areas of psychological pain. It’s the kind of feature that’s going to connect with select viewers, while angering everyone else. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com