Charles (Dan Berkey) is the leader of the The Cycle of Life community–a group of individuals that have dedicated their lives to bettering themselves and everyone around them. However, this group has plans for themselves that most would cringe at the thought of, transitioning to the other side (or, to most, dying). Charles has inserted himself into the lives of the young, malleable minds of his followers–and like Charles, each of those followers plans to make the transition one day and cross over to the other side. This is an in-depth look at the horrors of cults and all the harm that they can do.
As I watched The Cycle of Life I repeatedly thought to myself that the dialogue feels genuine and far different than what you might find in a typical film. I found out after watching that things weren’t scripted like in a typical film, and that actors were tasked with bringing those scenarios to life on their own. The genuine feel that exists throughout the entirety of The Cycle of Life comes to be primarily as a result of the perfect acting. We’ve just stepped out of Oscars season into a place where the world is now evaluating every other film as if they were experts, as if they fully understand every nuance of filmmaking. I consider myself to be knowledgeable in the field of cinema–not perfect, but getting there. With all of that being said, it’s clear that people like Will Smith, Troy Kotsur, and Ariana DeBose are incredibly talented–and this is a bold statement, but the actors present in The Cycle of Life are just as impressive. As the film began I fell in love with each and every one of the actors, and they absolutely slay each and every line. However, what’s even more impressive is the fact that they needed to develop lines for themselves–which is where the realism of the film comes in. Viewers hear the actors say things like “umm,” and appear uncomfortable at the fact that there is a camera shoved in their faces. I love this film–and that comes almost entirely as a result of the acting.
When you hear the word “cult” you likely instantly cringe. The world knows that cults are typically too good to be true–and that they often do more bad than good. The Cycle of Life brings to life a series of very real scenarios that many viewers may not have been aware of before the film. The Cycle of Life is harrowing, and there were a number of times that I felt sick to my stomach while watching–and, weirdly, that’s a good thing. Viewers’ jaws drop to the floor, and they are unable to control their negative thoughts as the many members of the Cycle of Life community express their purpose and intent. This film is visceral, real, harrowing, and ultimately difficult to get through because of how honest and horrifying it is.
Director Aaron Ketter takes on a film that will be difficult to watch, because the sickening content that exists throughout The Cycle of Life can be hard for viewers to absorb and stomach. However, this film is beautiful in the sense that it enlightens viewers and explains to them the dangers of cults. Creating the film as a mockumentary pulls viewers into the film, allowing them to feel the severity of the situations depicted on screen and better understand what is being said. Much of The Cycle of Life is improvised by the actors, and I meant what I said about the actors present in this film being as talented as the recently awarded actors at The Academy Awards–and they are the primary reason that The Cycle of Life is as brilliant as it is.
The Cycle of Life is an incredible mockumentary that aims to inform, and through the storytelling ability of everyone involved it entertains as well. This is one of the best films I’ve seen in months–and I pray that more people have the opportunity to see it.
Directed by Aaron Ketter.
Starring Dan Berkey, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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