Apostasy

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Apostasy

2017

1h 35m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

34 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Jehovah's Witnesses, Alex, Luisa, and their mother, are united in their devotion. But as Luisa starts to question the advice of the elders, she makes a transgression that leaves the whole family in fear of God's wrath.

Joseph Walsh

Time Out

08/22/2018

4/5

It is a quietly brilliant work that balances the conflicts of three women, and the trio of actresses playing them give stunning performances.

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Nikki Baughan

Sight & Sound

08/01/2018

The proselytising is measured not in rally cries but in quiet, introspective moments.

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Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

07/29/2018

4/5

Kokotajlo presents this world from the perspective of somebody who has experienced and understands it.

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Kat Halstead

Common Sense Media

08/26/2024

Starkly lit, and populated with drab browns and grays, the oppressive, claustrophobic settings mirror the sense of joylessness and sacrifice expected of the three women at the center of this story.

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Jim Ross

TAKE ONE Magazine

02/13/2020

Armageddon may not come during APOSTASY, but Kokotajlo's film chronicles the destruction of smaller and more personal worlds in a manner that grips from genesis to final revelations.

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Jason Best

Movie Talk

03/12/2019

4/5

This is a highly impressive feature debut for writer-director Daniel Kokotajlo, who draws on his insight and experiences as a former Jehovah's Witness to create a sensitive exploration of faith and family, freedom and community.

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Summer T

@RT02574545 2d

It is amazing how well they captured the dangerous cult of Jehovah’s Witnesses. From the gray overall theme to the silent moments of desperation and crisis of conscience from both the children and the parent. There are no inaccuracies in how this movie was produced or written. I am grateful they did it in such a way that shows the apathetic attitude of the congregation. I am also so grateful that it shows the parents moments of sorrow, pain and confusion. The funeral talk was spot on! And even the desperate prayers that are prayed to Jehovah for understanding and salvation. The members really do believe their salvation is not guaranteed! People really have lost their lives by denying blood transfusions and families really are forced apart as the cult demands 100% loyalty while they blame their use of manipulation on Jehovah God. Hugs to all of the excommunicated, both children and parents the road that cult puts us on is cold, hateful and lonely. Families lose everything that they love

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Alain E

@AlainE 05/22/2025

Distressing to watch, this movie conveys realistically how religious fanaticism poisons human behavior. The story unfolds with excellent timing. The worst events occur offscreen. Eventually one of the two daughters decides to escape the insanity. An excellent BBC production available on Tubi.

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Priscila L

@Pdawg 05/18/2025

I throughly enjoyed it. I found it very educational and deeply frustrating all at the same time. The actresses/actors were excellent. Religion can offer hope, meaning and belonging, but often there can be a heavy price to pay as well.

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N M

@RT59673963 02/12/2024

It was disturbingly accurate.

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Emma G

@RT79806257 06/08/2023

Very accurate description of life as a young jw. Was a very hard watch.

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The I

@RT06482703 01/27/2023

This movie is an extremely accurate depiction of life as a Jehovah's Witness. It shows the mind-numbing tedium of that life, the intolerance to those who are not JWs, and the damage it does to families. It's an incredible movie. Bravo!

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Daniel Kokotajlo

Director

Siobhan Finneran

Ivanna

Sacha Parkinson

Luisa

Molly Wright

Alex

Robert Emms

Steven

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Synopsis

Jehovah's Witnesses, Alex, Luisa, and their mother, are united in their devotion. But as Luisa starts to question the advice of the elders, she makes a transgression that leaves the whole family in fear of God's wrath.

Director: Daniel Kokotajlo
Producer: Andrea Cornwell, Marcie MacLellan
Screenwriter: Daniel Kokotajlo
Production Co: Frank & Lively, Zelig Sound, Oldgarth Media
Genre: Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 5, 2018
Runtime: 1h 35m