Them That Follow

In the gripping 2019 film Them That Follow, the isolated world of a Pentecostal snake-handling community is brought to life with unsettling tension and emotional depth. At the center of the story is Lemuel Childs, a fervent pastor who leads his congregation in a dangerous test of faith, where handling venomous snakes is seen as a divine rite. As the church prepares for the wedding of Lemuel's daughter, Mara, to a devoted believer, the stakes rise dramatically. Mara harbors a secret that could shatter the fragile bonds of faith and community—her past romance with Augie, a nonbeliever who threatens the very foundations of her father's teachings.

The film delves into themes of faith, betrayal, and the struggle for personal identity within the confines of rigid beliefs. As Mara grapples with her loyalties to both her family and her heart, the formidable presence of Hope, the church's matriarch, looms large, challenging Mara's choices with her own unwavering convictions. Them That Follow masterfully intertwines elements of drama, horror, and mystery, creating a haunting atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. With compelling performances and a richly atmospheric setting, the film invites audiences to ponder the cost of faith and the complexities of love in a world where the line between salvation and damnation can be as thin as a serpent's skin.