Them That Follow 2019
Directed by
Brittany Poulton
Made by
Pacific Northwest Pictures
Plot Summary
Mara Childs, portrayed by Alice Englert, is the daughter of a Pentecostal pastor, raised in a secluded community nestled in the heart of Appalachia. To the delight of her father, Walton Goggins, she finds herself in a serious courtship with Garret, embodied by Lewis Pullman. However, unbeknownst to her family and the congregation, Mara harbors a secret: she is pregnant with the child of Augie, played by Thomas Mann, who has distanced himself from the church.
Feeling the weight of expectations from both her community and her father, Mara reluctantly agrees to Garret’s marriage proposal. Her father, Lemuel, leads a particular sect known for its snake-handling rituals. When a minor tragedy occurs during one of these rituals, causing a death, Lemuel is warned about a police investigation looming overhead. In a misguided attempt to shield his congregation, he allows Garret to take the fall for the snake-related incidents, resulting in Garret losing his job.
Before the wedding can take place, Mara’s purity is assessed by Hope Slaughter, Augie’s mother. Hope discovers that Mara is not only not a virgin but is also expecting a child. Compassionately, she chooses to keep this information from Lemuel and Garret but informs Augie, urging him to seek redemption for his actions.
In a desperate move to reconnect with Mara, Augie attends church, masking his true intentions under the guise of a spiritual transformation. Lemuel, obliviously supportive, encourages Augie to participate in the snake-handling ritual, leading to a bite that puts Augie’s life at risk. When he pleads for medical assistance, both his family and Lemuel deny him and he attempts a gruesome self-treatment. This dark moment sets the stage for a private encounter between Augie and Mara, which is interrupted by Garret, who issues a stern warning to Mara to stay away from Augie.
The subsequent day brings more turmoil when Mara confides in her friend Dilly about her pregnancy, leading Dilly to disclose this to Garret. In a fit of rage, Garret attempts to assault Mara but is thwarted by Lemuel, who, in a chilling confrontation, learns of Mara’s situation, thanks to Garret’s revelations.
Desperate to “cleanse” his daughter, Lemuel insists that Mara handle a snake in church, while Augie’s concerned parents decide to perform an amputation at home, knowing their son’s life hangs in the balance. Miraculously, Mara survives her harrowing test, gaining her father’s approval in the process. Yet, in a moment of clarity, she chooses to leave the oppressive confines of her father’s influence to care for Augie, who is suffering from the aftermath of his surgery. With the blessing of Augie’s parents, Mara embarks on a journey with Augie, vowing to stand by him and support him through adversity.
Timeline
Mara's Upbringing
Mara Childs grows up in a secluded Pentecostal community in the heart of Appalachia, under the strict guidance of her father, Pastor Lemuel. This environment shapes her beliefs and values, creating tension as she grapples with her secret life.
Courtship with Garret
Mara enters a serious courtship with Garret, much to her father's delight. However, this relationship is complicated by a hidden truth that will soon unravel.
Secret Pregnancy
Unbeknownst to her father and the congregation, Mara discovers she is pregnant with Augie's child. This revelation adds to her internal conflict as she navigates her expectations and responsibilities.
Garret's Proposal
Feeling immense pressure from her father and the community's expectations, Mara reluctantly accepts Garret's marriage proposal. This decision only deepens her inner turmoil as she grapples with her secret.
Snake-Handling Ritual Tragedy
During a snake-handling ritual led by Pastor Lemuel, a tragedy strikes, resulting in a death. This incident raises concerns about a police investigation, putting pressure on the congregation and heightening tensions.
Garret Takes the Blame
To protect his congregation from scrutiny, Lemuel allows Garret to take the fall for the snake-related incidents, resulting in Garret losing his job. This decision creates rifts between Mara and Garret.
Hope's Discovery
Hope Slaughter, Augie's mother, learns of Mara's pregnancy and non-virgin status when assessing her purity. Despite her compassion, she chooses to keep this secret from Lemuel and Garret, instead informing Augie.
Augie's Desperate Gamble
In a desperate attempt to win Mara back, Augie attends church and participates in the snake-handling ritual. Unbeknownst to him, this leads to a dangerous snake bite that threatens his life.
Confrontation with Garret
Garret, feeling betrayed, confronts Mara about her relationship with Augie. This encounter escalates into a heated argument where Garret issues a warning to Mara to stay away from Augie.
Mara Confides in Dilly
Mara, feeling overwhelmed, confides her situation to her friend Dilly. Unfortunately, this information is revealed to Garret, leading to a violent outburst that threatens Mara's safety.
Lemuel Learns the Truth
In a chilling confrontation with Garret, Lemuel learns about Mara's pregnancy and her struggles. This revelation devastates him and forces him to reassess his role as a father.
Mara's Test of Purity
Desperate to 'cleanse' his daughter, Lemuel insists Mara participate in a snake-handling test during church. Her survival of this harrowing ordeal results in a complicated approval from her father.
Augie's Family's Decision
Concerned for Augie's life following his snake bite, his parents decide to perform an amputation at home. This shocking decision is made in the face of their belief and fear of the church.
Mara's Decision to Leave
After surviving her father's test, Mara has a moment of clarity. She chooses to leave her father's oppressive influence to support Augie during his recovery, demonstrating her growth and newfound independence.
Embarking on a New Journey
Mara, with the blessing of Augie's parents, embarks on a journey with Augie. They vow to stand by each other and face adversity together, symbolizing hope for a new life away from their past.
Characters
Mara Childs
Mara is a complex character grappling with conflicting loyalties to her father, her community, and her own desires. As the daughter of a pastor, she faces immense pressure to conform to her family's beliefs while harboring a significant secret. Her journey reveals her deep-seated resilience and quest for freedom, ultimately leading her to make impactful decisions about her life and relationships.
Garret
Garret is depicted as a well-meaning but misguided character, struggling with the weight of expectations placed upon him by Mara and her father. His reaction to discovering Mara's secret showcases a violent side that contrasts with his desire for commitment. His journey illustrates the dangers of unexamined faith and the consequences of trying to uphold societal norms.
Augie
Portrayed as a rebellious figure who has distanced himself from the church, Augie represents the struggle for redemption. His longing for reconnection with Mara displays vulnerability amidst his chaotic situation. Through his narrative, the audience sees the impact of societal rejection and the quest for forgiveness.
Lemuel Childs
Lemuel is a stern and authoritative figure who embodies the conflicts between faith and family loyalty. As Mara's father, his adherence to rigid religious traditions often blinds him to the emotional needs of his daughter. His actions, driven by a desire to protect the congregation, ultimately lead to tragic consequences for those around him.
Hope Slaughter
Hope serves as a complex character who seeks compassion while navigating the tension between family loyalty and moral choices. As Augie's mother, she becomes an unexpected ally for Mara, choosing to protect her from the repercussions of societal judgment. Her decision-making reveals a layered understanding of the themes of redemption and forgiveness.
Setting
Time period
The film does not specify a particular time period, but it reflects a contemporary setting where traditional beliefs clash with modern realities. The struggles faced by the characters highlight ongoing societal issues, such as family pressure and the impact of religious beliefs in today's world.
Location
Appalachia
Appalachia is a culturally rich region in the Eastern United States known for its mountainous landscape and deep-rooted traditions. This area has a significant history of isolation, often leading to the development of unique communities and religious sects, like the one depicted in the film. The region's folklore and practices, especially the snake-handling rituals, play a central role in shaping the characters' lives.
Themes
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Faith & Belief
The theme of faith is prevalent throughout the film, demonstrating how deeply personal beliefs can sculpt individuals' identities and choices. Mara's struggle between her father's expectations and her own desires illustrates the complex relationship between faith and personal freedom. The snake-handling ritual serves as a powerful symbol of the dangerous extremes one may go to in the name of faith.
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Secrets & Redemption
Secrets shape much of the narrative, leading characters to confront their hidden truths. Mara's pregnancy and her relationship with Augie create a tangled web of deceit that affects everyone involved. The theme of redemption emerges through Augie's journey and the choices of the other characters as they seek to find forgiveness and reconciliate their lives amidst their burdens.
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Empowerment
Mara's path towards self-empowerment is a significant focus of the story, as she navigates her father's oppressive control and the expectations of her community. By the end of the film, her decision to leave her father's influence and support Augie illustrates a profound moment of personal strength and growth. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of societal constraints.
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