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Details
This special limited edition slipcover is limited to1,000 unitsand is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Factory25, a Brooklyn-based independent film distribution company was founded in 2009 by Matt Grady. F25 is a home for conceptually provocative narratives and documentaries. Its mission is to deliver specialized film and music titles in an aesthetically captivating way while exposing the indie world to under-the-radar films, music, and other curiosities in various ways and formats — theatrically, digitally, on TV, VOD, via subscription, limited edition DVDs, Blu-ray's, books and vinyl. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
Father Billy (Steve Little), an eccentric young priest, is forced to take a sabbatical by his superiors when he is discovered telling inappropriate parables to his flock. Billy tracks down his high-school idol Robbie (Robert Longstreet), who begrudgingly agrees to a canoe trip. On the water, the two men reminisce about Billy's days as the keyboardist in a Christian band and Robbie's as a guitarist for a metal band. When night approaches, they realize they have lost their way--and that's when things get weird.
Buoyed by commanding comedic performances by Steve Little (EASTBOUND & DOWN) and Robert Longstreet (GREAT WORLD OF SOUND) and deft handling by director Todd Rohal, THE CATECHISM CATACLYSM shines a light on the power of absurd fiction. THE CATECHISM CATACLYSM is a production of Rough House Pictures (David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, Jody Hill).
directed by: Todd Rohal starring: Steve Little, Robert Longstreet, Walter Dalton, Miki Ann Maddox, Koko Lanham 2011 / 82 min / 1.78:1 / English Dolby Digital 5.1
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Outtakes
Director's Commentary
Japanese Trailer
SHORT FILMS: "Ohio" by Andy DeYoung; "The Further Adventures of Father William Smoortser" by Todd Rohal
MUSIC VIDEO: “OD'd in Denver” by Bill Callahan and Bonnie Prince Billy directed by Todd Rohal
Three video essays by The Noctambulist Narratives
Commentary with Steve Little Robert Longstreet and Todd Rohal
Xxx page booklet including: A conversation between Steve Little and Robert Longstreet; Kent Osborne's comic version of The Catechism Cataclysm; “Hand of the Almighty” song lyrics
Essay's by Reverend Megan Holloway and Todd Rohal
English subtitles
Overall rating: 4.25641 / 5 from 39 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Catechism Cataclysm, a limited edition slipcover film, has garnered mixed reviews with some appreciating its absurd comedy and others finding it uninspiring. It features a unique narrative with a focus on comedic elements and is part of a special release by Factory 25, known for its provocative film and music titles.
"This is a really good dark comedy featuring Steve Little, who is maybe best known for Eastbound and Down." — Michael W.
"Great special features as always from this group, and always a pleasure to see Bonnie Prince Billy show up." — Maxim P.
Reviews
Weird buddy roadtrip movie
"The Catechism Cataclysm is a compact, surreal dark comedy that follows a bumbling young priest, Father Billy, whose attempt to reconnect with his high‑school idol Robbie spirals into an increasingly bizarre wilderness journey. Public sources describe it as an “independent, psychotronic dark comedy” built around a priest whose camping trip devolves into chaos. The film blends awkward humor, spiritual confusion, and tall‑tale absurdism. Its storytelling deliberately blurs the lines between biblical parables, Mark Twain references, and campfire myths, creating a tone that critics have called “shaggy‑dog” and “divinely bizarre”."
— Tarek E. (3/5)
Religious Obsession Meets Absurd Horror in a Darkly Funny Ride
"The Catechism Cataclysm is a bold and unconventional blend of horror, comedy, and surrealism. Following a priest on a twisted pilgrimage, the film mixes religious iconography with extreme gore, dark humor, and chaotic storytelling, resulting in a film that is as bizarre as it is entertaining. The production embraces low-budget creativity, from striking practical effects to deliberately jarring edits, enhancing the sense of unpredictability. Performances range from earnest to absurd, which only heightens the film’s surreal, almost feverish tone. It’s a polarizing experience: some viewers may be alienated by its outlandishness, while others will revel in its fearless, anarchic energy. The Catechism Cataclysm is a must-see for fans of transgressive, irreverent horror that refuses to play by conventional rules."
— Thomas H. (5/5)
Solid pick
"Great comedy blind buy. Slipcover is nice as well as transfer."
— Brett C. (4/5)
unsatisfying
"The pieces for something better are there, but this bizarre tale of a maladjusted priest just meanders through it’s runtime with more cringe than humor. The final minutes are truly strange and completely removed from the rest of the film, but really isn’t worth suffering the first hour to get to."
— Taylor T. (2/5)
For fans of the incredibly bizarre
"I love this movie and I never thought I'd own a nice blu ray of it. This one is really short and real weird. I also love Steve Little's performance. I'd recommend picking this one up the next time it's on sale."
— Drake D. (5/5)
Might be my favorite TR
"Might be my favorite TR movie. The interplay between Longstreet and Little is constantly weird and hilarious, and after owning the DVD for a bit back in the day I’m thrilled to finally upgrade."
— Keith M. (5/5)
Weird!
"This was just as odd as I was figuring it’d be but that is not a knock against it! Absolutely worth it if the synopsis appeals to you and would be fun with a big group."
— Philip M. (3/5)
Steve Little 4 Eva
"Totally entertaining trip down weirdo lane. Longstreet & Little make a great unlikely duo. The OHIO short is pretty cool. Unfortunately, the other short by Rohal features an audio track that's significantly behind the video. Too bad, because it's a pretty cool piece."
— Isaac W. (4/5)
Great Comedy
"It has excellent performances and the comedy is great. Glad I picked this up. Two Thumbs Up!"
— Hansi L. (5/5)
Fuck, My Son…
"Todd Rohal’s THE CATECHISM CATACLYSM (try saying that five times fast) is his first work with the men who’d become the De Niro & DiCaprio to his Scorsese: Robert Longstreet and Steve Little. Their energies all click together, and with the UNSCA Rough House boys along for the ride, Rohal’s tenor of absurdist, aggressive comedy is seemingly crystalized. Definitely recommended if you’re a fan of UNCLE KENT 2, and will no doubt be a welcome discovery for those introduced to him via FUCK MY SON! Great special features as always from this group, and always a pleasure to see Bonnie Prince Billy show up."
— Maxim P. (4/5)
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