Film Review: A Twist of Faith (1999)

The end of 2nd Millennium has spurned interest for Christian themes in films. Most of those were supernatural horrors or epics, but few of those using issues of faith were actually crime films or thrillers. An example can be found A Twist of Faith, 1999 Canadian film directed by Chris Angel. Protagonist is Henry Smith (played by Andrew McCarthy), police detective who is deeply traumatised by things he experiences during work. Another source of frustration is his private life that includes failing marriage and daughter struck with fatal illness. All that made Smith lose his Catholic faith and become a cynical atheist. The case which would make him reassess his beliefs involves murder of a Catholic priest, whose body was found crucified in church. More murders occur, with all victims being staunch believers and embodiments of Christian virtue. The perpetrator is very good in hiding his identity and the only trail leads Smith to Alex Hunt (played by Michael Ironside), wealthy businessman who gained respect in community through his philanthropic work. However, that trail seems to lead nowhere and Smith, to his horror, begins to suspect that murderer might be someone from his own family.

Like Resurrection, another obscure Canadian thriller that was released roughly at the same time, A Twist of Faith tries to mix popular motive of serial killer with not so popular motives of traditional religion in modern society. As such, it was often compared unfavourably to Se7en. Script by Richard Zywothkiewicz, on the other hand, makes this film look less like a David Fincher’s thriller and more like a conventional psychological drama by Krzysztof Kieslowski. Director Chris Angel takes this an excuse to make A Twist of Faith overlong, ultimately testing the patience of audience that is even accustomed to pretentious art cinema. Andrew McCarthy, one of the most underrated actors of his generation, is more or less the only reason why anyone would bother to watch this to the end. He tries very hard to play complex and rather untypical protagonist. He is supported by decent cast, including veteran Michael Ironside who delivers another interesting, although somewhat unsurprising role of sinister villain. At the end of the day, A Twist of Faith demands too much for the viewers and it could be recommended to those who want to watch something, but lack good alternatives.

RATING: 3/10 (+)

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