NINEOTES VS. DIABOLIC

Ninetoes love some good religious horror. Was Diabolic good enough for him?

A woman’s hope for a miracle cure turns into a nightmare when she confronts the vengeful spirit of a cursed witch, determined to claim her as a vessel for her evil power.

Directed by Daniel J. Phillips

Written by Mike Harding, Ticia Madsen, and Daniel J. Phillips

Starring John Kim, Elizabeth Cullen, and Mia Challis

Hey there, movie lovers! It is your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes HQ. Today I am taking a look at Daniel J. Phillips’ Diabolic. I have popcorn in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

I enjoy religious horror.

There, I said it. I really, really enjoy this particular horror trope. What especially gets me is if there is no clear, definitive sense that the good guys actually won…

Which is exactly what I got with the movie, Diabolic.

It starts with the baptism of a young woman, Elise, who is a member of Warren Jeffs’ FLDS church (remember the scandal?), and her baptism is something…what is the word I am looking for?…different. Names are spoken as she is dunked under, to save the souls of those who were not of the FLDS faith,  and there is one name spoken that sets everything off: LaRue.

Fast forward ten years, and Elise is an artist who is losing her mind. There is a blank space in her memory that has her engaging in odd behavior. In a last-ditch effort to avoid hospitalization, she (and her husband) agrees to undergo therapy that uses hallucinogens. Her friend tags along to keep things on the level.

If only…

This movie takes a look at the role religion plays in our lives, no matter what we believe or if we believe or not. At one point in her life, Elise believed. She was a member of the FLDS church until something happened that cast her out. Thus, the mental block.  One thing her therapist tells her is that a repressed memory is the mind’s way of protecting us. If she had listened to him, it would have been a short movie.

The movie is based on a true story. After viewing it, I am not sure which parts are true, but given the state of the world today, it would surprise me at all to hear that the way-out horror aspect of this movie is the true part. For the most part, it is well written, even though some parts are predictable.

The acting was well done across the board. Admittedly, I am not that familiar with the actors in this movie, but they did their jobs well. They were believable in their roles. I tip my hat to Elizabeth Cullen (Elise). She nailed her role so well that she should be considered for an award somewhere along the line.

If you are into “religious horror”, then this movie is for you. However, if you are a fan of the FLDS church, you will want to pass on this one.

I give this movie 4 popcorn buckets out of 5!

Until the next time, I bid you happy viewing.

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.