The Inquisition and the black plague was a period of time that is open to storytelling of many different strains. In The Appearance we are treated to a tale of an inquisitor who believes strongly in the scientific method. He is brought to an out of the way abbey and the small town that supports it to determine if a woman is truly a witch.The Appearance is a thriller/adventure movie with a touch of horror. There are elements to make you jump, but without gore. There is a scene near the end of the movie that implies a sexual situation. The Appearanceis not rated, but I would say it would be a PG-13.
I saw a screening of The Appearance at the 2018 FilmQuest Film Festival (website). You can also find additional information about The Appearance on Internet Movie Database (IMDb link).
Plot Summary
Early on, after we meet the inquisitor, Mateho, we know the abbey he is going to is someplace he has been before. Someplace long ago. He doesn’t have kind memories of the abbey, yet he is going because it is his duty and his own personal calling. He is a man of science and is determined to prove the women accused of being a witch is not.
There are a series of incidents after the inquisitor’s arrival that the abbot, Scipio, and others quickly explain are due to the witch they have in the dungeon. Mateho uses his knowledge in the sciences to show that each is due to natural events. However, the events continue.
Eventually Mateho has to accept the reality of the situation and deal with what is truly the reason behind the events, and the accusation of witchery. It isn’t until he is willing to face the facts of the abbey, past and present, that he is bring the accusation, and the case, to a close.
Cast
Most of the actors listed in The Appearance also have parts in the recent television program The Outpost. One notable exception is the part of Johnny, who is played by Kristian Nairn (IMDb link). He is more widely known for his role of Hodor in Game of Thrones. Kristian Nairn was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. He does a wonderful job in the role of the sidekick/guard/confidant of the inquisitor.
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| Mateho and Johnny |
The inquisitor, Mateho, is played by Jake Stormoen (IMDb link). He has also been a part of the Mythica movies. Jake Stormoen was nominated for Best Actor. His portrayal of the inquisitor sets up from the beginning that he is haunted by his own demons.
One of the monks, Felix, played by Adam Johnson (IMDb link), summoned an inquisitor because of the events at the abbey. Here again, the role is well portrayed as the reasoning, faithful counterpoint to the abbot.
Michael Flynn (IMDb link) plays the abbot, Scipio. I liked how Flynn brought the abbot to life on the screen with his own internal conflicts and justifications. Here is a character who is struggling with what has happened and working to maintain control and loyalty. He presented a man who believes he is doing the right things and works to justify his actions the best way he knows how.
Isabel is the accused and is played by Baylee Self (IMDb link). Her ability to use facial expression in the film adds a lot to the story telling and who the character is, even though hers is a small part.
Together these actors were nominated for Best Ensemble Cast. The interaction between the characters was great. The story is stronger because of how these actors brought their roles into the fold of the overarching story of the movie.
The cast was directed by Kurt Knight (IMDb link) who also wrote The Appearance.
FilmQuest Cthulhu Awards
The Appearance was nominated for nine awards. Along with the three awards listed with the cast the movie was nominated in the following categories.
Best Cinematography: Benjamin Allred
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| Isabel |
Best Sound (Winner)
Best Score (Winner)
Best Production Design
Best Costumes
Best Makeup
Overall
The Appearance was a fun movie to watch. The horror aspect of the movie were in line to the thriller setting. There were points of surprise (horror) to make you jump, but no gore was shown on screen. There is a scene near the end that has implied sexual content. Although there is some foreshadowing on how the movie will end, the use of reoccurring symbols and a slight twist tied up the story nicely.
The visuals and music throughout the movie brought me into the story. Its great settings and look of the characters provided a touch of fantasy with the expected historical aspects. The score complimented without overtaking the storytelling.
Kurt Knight, director and writer, has mentioned that this might just be the beginning of the adventures that Mateho faces.
I give The Appearance 3 out of 5.
If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.
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