Bible quotes and an end-of-day setting never looked more interesting than in the Revealer movie. Dropping on Shudder on June 23, 2022, “Revealer” and its 80s-inspired setting at the dawn of an apocalypse had me thinking I was in for a treat. However, by the end of this horror of the moralistic kind, I wondered… Do horror and religion always go hand in hand toward heaven?
In a directorial debut, Luke Boyce did what many filmmakers do during a pandemic and made a single-location production. In the seedy side of Chicago, a bunch of bible-bashing protestors want to save the souls of the people who work nearby in a peep show appropriately called Revealers. None more than the outspoken Sally (Shaina Schrooten.) Sally has religiously accosted the sinner Angie as she makes her way to work each day. So much so that they know each other by name. All Angie wants is to earn a quick buck in one of the many peep show booths without all the accusations of leading society into hell.
A cinematic highlight in “Revealer” is the neon-drenched, 80s music-affiliated dance scenes that open the film. The audience is treated to a series of exclusive peep shows straight from Angie’s dimly lit booth. But when things suddenly go far too quiet for an afternoon at a dancers club she goes looking for Bishop, the owner, only to discover him covered in blood. Not only that, but Bishop is making a weird noise, there is screaming outside and he seems to want to kill her.
Good Versus Evil | Revealer Film
As a short film, Revealer could have been a fast-paced storyline about how the good and the righteous aren’t always the best examples of living a perfect life. In a feature-length movie, the change of gear to maintain interest happens too infrequently.
In the opening quarter, we learn that Angie’s public enemy Sally has locked herself into the booth next door in an attempt to save her soul. Following this is where the title leans so heavily into a conversational piece that I couldn’t decide if there was anything worth saving at all. Sure, there is a brief interlude where the girls need to fend off treacherous tentacles that emerge from a newly reanimated Bishop but every other beat sees Angie and Sally trying to find their way out of the booth, deep in conversation. And it’s simply not that interesting.
They talk and they collaborate and they bicker about religion versus the unholiness of Angie’s career choice. But like any story where character types need to come together for the greater good, or here survival, they slowly appreciate the other’s point of view.
Are You A Sinner?
I was surprised by a revelation led by Sally that saw her announce that she had been hiding the fact she was LGBTQ+ friendly. This in turn is the reason she had not been saved by the hand of god. Lying to yourself can cause the devil to try to kill you.
I can’t say I enjoyed Revealer. Performances were pretty good from the leading ladies despite any misgivings I might have had. All in all, though, it made me think about how often I read journalistic critiques of horror movies that pan films simply because they are violent and filled with gore. Those are the people I think will love this one. It’s a righteous horror movie with a lot to say.
Revealer is rated
1 Worms go in the mouth out of 5
For another great review of Revealer, go to Voicesfromthebalcony.com
Need more LGBTQIA2S+ friendly religious horror? Watch Tin & Tina on Netflix or Welcome to Mercy (AMC+ and Prime Video) next.
Cast of Revealer 2022 Caito Aase, Shaina Schrooten, Bishop Stevens, Phil Bogdan, Buzz Leer, and Sammy DelPurgatorio.
Director and writer Luke Boyce.
“Revealer” Movie Trailer For You To Watch
Revealer 2022 Is A Religious Horror Film
Director: Luke Boyce
Date Created: 2022-06-23 13:27
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