The relationship between religion and horror films is one that spans decades, and moviegoers have shown that their fascination with the subgenre is in no danger of waning anytime soon. Ever since audiences were shocked and terrified by seeing little Regan Macneil’s head spin around, there’s been an ongoing love affair between the two unlikely subjects of horror and organized religion. Consecration, the latest film by writer/director Christopher Smith, aims to take a deep look at the darker undertones that are harbored amongst clergy and worshippers.

When Grace (Jena Malone) receives news of the suicide of her brother, a priest, she immediately travels to the isolated Scottish convent where his death occurred. It’s clear from the start that she shared a close relationship with her brother, and while attempting to process her grief, she can’t quite shake the feeling that something isn’t right. Though they shared a tumultuous childhood fraught with trauma, she maintains the belief that he isn’t the type of person who would commit suicide.

Soon after arriving, she promptly launches an extensive investigation into the events that lead up to his death, and begins to unravel a sordid thread of deceit, sacrilege, and malevolence lurking in the depths of the isolated church. As she presses further, she not only finds herself in danger, but also begins to learn the dark, harsh truths about her upbringing, as well as who she is currently.

Consecration manages to weave a tale of the heinous happenings within a religious organization through an inoffensive lens. The goal of this story isn’t to be controversial or ruffle feathers. Instead, it’s a look at the differences between heresy and the divine, and how the line between the two can sometimes be blurred. It’s a moody, quiet tale that lures you in and forces you to pay attention, only to throw in an unexpected jump scare or frightening image to keep you on your toes.

Beautifully filmed, it toggles back and forth between sweeping, picturesque shots of the Scottish seaside landscape and dark, atmospheric scenes inside the church itself. It doesn’t rely on raising the tension with sudden changes in music, or traditional grabbing jump scares, and instead ensnares you slowly and methodically, making sure you’re fully invested before doling out the frights.

The performances are also impressive, particularly from Malone, who plays Grace with equal parts vulnerability and tenacity. Her unapologetic lack of faith gets flung flippantly around in the presence of the convent’s nuns, which offers up small bits of comedic relief while also fleshing out her character for likeability. Fans of horror may find certain moments too plodding or uneventful, but all serve a purpose to the overall story. Consecration does indeed have its slow moments, where the mind can begin to wander and questions the importance of each scene, but in the end, it comes back around to prove that every moment serves a purpose.

In an age where slasher films have found their resurgence, and paranormal stories reign supreme, it’s sometimes needed to have a more cerebral, psychological story thrown in from time to time for good measure. That certainly seems to be the goal of Smith, as Consecration delivers an intriguing, thought-provoking tale. 

8 out of 10