Self-Help – FrightFest 2025 Movie Review
First Reaction – Self-Help takes a twisted dive into what can happen within a cult.
Director: Erik Bloomquist
Writer: Erik Bloomquist, Carson Bloomquist (Screenplay)
Cast
- Landry Bender (The Sitter)
- Jake Weber (Dawn of the Dead)
- Madison Lintz (The Walking Dead)
- Amy Hargreaves (13 Reasons Why)
- Erik Bloomquist (Founders Day)
Plot: A young woman infiltrates a perilous personal growth organization, following the involvement of her mother with its mysterious head. (Paraphrased)
Runtime: 1 Hour 25 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Narrative: The journey for self-improvement commences as Olivia (Bender) and Sophie (Lintz) embark on a quest to locate Olivia’s mother, Rebecca (Hargreaves). She has been drawn into a personal growth community led by Curtis Clark (Weber).
Olivia becomes accustomed to the community and starts observing actions that make her uneasy. She needs to determine what’s proper and decide if there’s a way for her to rescue her mother, as she finds herself drawn further into the community’s desires.
Verdict on Self-Help
Recap
The film tells the story of a young woman pursuing her missing mother who’s joined an enigmatic group. As she spends more time there, she finds herself increasingly intrigued by their intentions, yet strives to avoid getting ensnared. Will she manage to break free before she becomes the next recruit?
Best Parts
As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you about a film that delves into the chilling notion of a charismatic leader manipulating individuals, forming a cult-like following. This leader exploits people’s vulnerabilities to gain control, often resulting in gruesome consequences that people perceive as being for some higher power. However, the movie doesn’t shy away from presenting unexpected twists and turns, making it all the more intriguing. The performances are outstanding, showcasing the actors’ dedication to their roles and offering a glimpse into their characters’ transformation across various worlds.
Worst Parts
Some parts of the plot seemed excessively gruesome, given the message conveyed, resulting in an escalation of spectacle-driven violence that didn’t align with the narrative unfolding.
Final Thoughts –Self-Help is a twisted dive into cults and how to fight them.
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2025-08-24 20:38