REVIEW: “Killing Faith” (2025)

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Guy Pearce, recently nominated for an Oscar, stars in “Killing Faith,” a spooky thriller set in the Wild West – and it’s a movie I was eager to see. Written and directed by Ned Crowley, and featuring strong performances from DeWanda Wise and Bill Pullman, the film is a fresh and unusual take on several genres, creating a strange but enjoyable viewing experience.

The story takes place in 1849, years after a devastating illness swept through the area. Actress Wise delivers a powerful performance as Sarah, a woman who recently gained her freedom from slavery and believes her pale-skinned daughter, Emily Katherine Ford, is possessed. This unusual idea blends surprisingly well with the Old West setting, creating a strange but compelling narrative that Crowley handles with skill.

Sarah’s daughter has a strange and dangerous ability: anything she touches with her bare hands instantly dies. Because of this, the people in her small town are terrified and have asked Sarah to keep her daughter away. Desperate for help, Sarah decides to travel to the remote Ross Corner to seek out Preacher Ross (Pullman), a well-known, though controversial, faith healer.

Sarah is desperate to reach Ross Corner, but no one in town will take her, even though she’s offering a good sum of money. That changes when she meets Dr. Bender, a doctor haunted by a personal tragedy and disliked by the townspeople. Bender is struggling with his own demons and prefers using ether to numb the pain rather than practice medicine. He’s also short on cash, so he reluctantly agrees to escort Sarah and her daughter to Ross Corner.

Bender is a disillusioned man who’s lost his beliefs. Sarah, however, believes an evil force has possessed her daughter. Bender dismisses this, claiming the child simply carries the plague that’s ravaged the land. Their differing views spark intense and fascinating discussions during their journey, both on the road and by the campfire. Through these conversations, Crowley delves deeper into the personalities of Bender and Sarah, and gradually reveals a surprising link between them as the story unfolds.

During their journey through a harsh and dangerous landscape, the three main characters meet a variety of colorful and often frightening people. They’re accompanied by Edward, a kind-hearted ranch hand, and pursued by a relentless bounty hunter named Whitey. Along the way, they encounter a enigmatic Native American man known as Shakespeare. One particularly striking scene features a disturbing family – a sinister mother brilliantly portrayed by Joanna Cassidy, her silent daughter, and a menacing man who hides his face in a burlap sack while playing guitar.

Throughout their disturbing and unpredictable journey, Bender’s beliefs are constantly challenged. While he battles his inner struggles, Sarah is repeatedly confronted with the harshness of her life. The author skillfully uses their experiences, both internal and external, to offer a sharp commentary on American history, the treatment of marginalized groups, and humanity’s tendency towards violence. He reveals the flaws of humankind through the dark and disturbing elements of the story, particularly through vivid and violent nightmares.

“Killing Faith” is a captivating and unusual Western for much of its length, offering a fresh take on the genre. While the movie loses some momentum towards the end, it still features bold and surprising decisions from the director. Overall, “Killing Faith” is a memorable film thanks to its ambitious vision and strong performances, keeping viewers engaged throughout this dark and intriguing journey into the Old West.

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2025-10-07 17:58