Review: The Atticus Institute 2015

I was surprised by how good this movie was.. It’s a quiet, unsettling slow-burn which is wonderfully refreshing for a film about demonic possession. Some may find “The Atticus Institute” boring and it is true that there is much more ‘talk’ than ‘action’, however, in my opinion, as long as you are in the mood for a more subdued, understated horror film, the ‘talk’ is interesting and engaging. Plus, the quiet atmosphere of this film really increases the intensity of the few more.. eventful.. scenes.
“The Atticus Institute” is a “mockumentary” about a (fictional) institute that was opened in the 1970’s to study paranormal activity. One day, a woman is brought in by her older sister, this woman is Judith Winstead, and she shows more ability and power than anyone the institute has ever seen before. But there’s something very ‘not right’ about Judith…and further observation and testing confirms it, she’s possessed. This is the (fictional) story of the only case of demonic possession ever to be documented by the US government…and they have some big plans for this level of power. ..But could mere humans ever truly be in control of such an almighty force? Well we’d certainly be hubristic enough to try!
So, “The Atticus Institute” is an underrated, and understated, unnerving little demonic “mockumentary” about the sheer arrogance of mankind, featuring a brilliant and haunting performance by “Rya Kihlstedt”, as Judith Winstead. I didn’t find this film boring at all, I was completely engrossed in the quiet parts and disquieted during the more frightening, intense parts; I really enjoyed it and absolutely recommend it.