Them That Follow 2019

In the rural Appalachian community where Pentecostal pastor Lemuel Childs (Walton Goggins) presides over a peculiar sect of snake-handling faithful, his daughter Mara Childs (Alice Englert) is caught in a web of secrets and deception. Mara’s father is thrilled to see her being courted by parishioner Garret (Lewis Pullman), but unbeknownst to all, she is already carrying the child of Augie (Thomas Mann), a young man who has abandoned the church. As pressure mounts from her community and father, Mara reluctantly accepts Garret’s proposal.

Meanwhile, Lemuel’s congregation is rocked by tragedy when a minor dies while handling snakes during one of his services. In response to the warning that the authorities are closing in on him, Lemuel concocts a plan to protect his flock by allowing Garret to claim the snakes as his own and subsequently losing his job. Little does he know, however, that this decision will have far-reaching consequences.

Before her wedding day arrives, Mara’s virginity is subjected to an invasive examination by Hope Slaughter (Augie’s mother), who is shocked to discover that Mara is not only impure but also pregnant. Hope resolves to keep the truth hidden from Lemuel and Garret, while urging Augie to repent for his transgressions.

In a desperate attempt to reconnect with Mara, Augie returns to church, feigning a spiritual awakening that earns him permission to handle snakes once more. The consequences are dire, as Augie is bitten by one of the serpents and left fighting for his life. As he lies helpless, Mara is finally forced to confront her feelings for him, and the two share a poignant moment together.

Their tender reunion is short-lived, however, as Garret stumbles upon them and warns Mara that she must never again see Augie. The following day, Augie’s condition worsens, prompting Mara to confide in her friend Dilly about her pregnancy. News of this spreads quickly, reaching Garret who responds by attempting to violate Mara. Lemuel intervenes just in time, but before banishing Garret from their midst, he reveals the truth about Mara’s unborn child.

As tensions escalate, Lemuel attempts to cleanse Mara of her perceived sins by having her handle a snake during one of his services. Mara survives this ordeal, but her father’s approval comes at a steep price: she decides to leave him and join Augie, who is struggling to recover from the amputation performed on him by his parents in their remote home. With their blessing, Mara sets out with Augie to seek medical attention, vowing to stand by his side no matter what the future may hold.