Review of The Reaping (2007) by Mr. M — 05 Sep 2009

It was critically panned by almost everyone but it's not so bad for a theological thriller. A former priest (Hilary Swank) has turned scientist and religious miracle debunker after suffering a great trauma in Africa.

She is called to investigate a weird phenomenon, a river turned to blood, the first plague according to the Old Testament, in a small Louisiana village. I liked the slow buildup and the apparitions of the different plagues, especially the locusts that were quite well done.

I also liked the understated acting and the friendship between the priest turned atheist and her assistant, an atheist turned believer. Actually, that movie feels a bit like a good X-Files episode. I wasn't really scared by anything shown but I was a bit creeped out by the different critters and insects.

There are even a few good surprises that I didn't see coming. It's not in the same league as the Exorcist or any other top horror thriller with religious overtones but it's quite watchable.

The Reaping is worth a rental if you're into that kind of film.