In The Aviary, a thriller with a bite, chris Messina plays a typical manipulating, egomaniacal cult leader who preaches pseudo-intellectualism to capture susceptible victims. Malin kerman and Lorenza Izzo play two ladies who become disillusioned by Seth's teachings and flee to the New mexico desert. The Aviary is a well-crafted psychological thriller that keeps the audience wondering throughout.
Chris Cullari and Jennifer Raite, writers and directors, took on the task of tackling the insidious nature of cults. Despite one of them being an ambitious right-hand woman for much of her time with Seth, their account does not criticise or dismiss their leads for falling into his trap. Both the writing and the starring women' performances acknowledge that they have a strength within them that has allowed them to shatter the illusion. Brainwashing, on the other hand, is difficult to overcome. Even more difficult is overcoming Seth's influence when wandering in the New mexico desert, where the days are hot and dry and the nights are cruelly cold.
To keep the viewer guessing, the directors toy with genres and traditions. For example, Izzo and Kerman portray untrustworthy narrators. They've both been duped, and Seth's methods are alarmingly effective, as shown in the movie. Seth is constantly present, with visual cues that show him as a fairly innocuous demon during the day and a demon straight from the gates of hell at night. Cullari and Raite don't employ special effects in the traditional sense; the film feels less computer-generated, with a lot more practical effects. The campfire scenes, when strobe lighting symbolises Seth's brainwashing efforts, are particularly noteworthy.
The Aviary isn't a game-changer in this category of psychological thrillers, but it's a respectable addition nonetheless. The film is well-made and efficient. The performances are excellent and help to hammer home the story. chris Messina does an excellent job as a seductive cult leader. The scenery of New mexico is both gorgeous and hazardous. chris Cullari and Jennifer Raite demonstrate a deep awareness of the persuasion techniques used by cults, as well as a great level of empathy for people caught up in them.
Chris Cullari and Jennifer Raite, writers and directors, took on the task of tackling the insidious nature of cults. Despite one of them being an ambitious right-hand woman for much of her time with Seth, their account does not criticise or dismiss their leads for falling into his trap. Both the writing and the starring women' performances acknowledge that they have a strength within them that has allowed them to shatter the illusion. Brainwashing, on the other hand, is difficult to overcome. Even more difficult is overcoming Seth's influence when wandering in the New mexico desert, where the days are hot and dry and the nights are cruelly cold.
To keep the viewer guessing, the directors toy with genres and traditions. For example, Izzo and Kerman portray untrustworthy narrators. They've both been duped, and Seth's methods are alarmingly effective, as shown in the movie. Seth is constantly present, with visual cues that show him as a fairly innocuous demon during the day and a demon straight from the gates of hell at night. Cullari and Raite don't employ special effects in the traditional sense; the film feels less computer-generated, with a lot more practical effects. The campfire scenes, when strobe lighting symbolises Seth's brainwashing efforts, are particularly noteworthy.
The Aviary isn't a game-changer in this category of psychological thrillers, but it's a respectable addition nonetheless. The film is well-made and efficient. The performances are excellent and help to hammer home the story. chris Messina does an excellent job as a seductive cult leader. The scenery of New mexico is both gorgeous and hazardous. chris Cullari and Jennifer Raite demonstrate a deep awareness of the persuasion techniques used by cults, as well as a great level of empathy for people caught up in them.
