Competent Yet Disappointing
"The film's technical execution is great. The actors are good, the setting is impressive, the cinematography is excellent. However, the story suffers from a non-linear narrative. Too many dream/panic shots that leave you questioning what's reality. Maybe that's the point? But it frustrates more than it grips attention. Once we're introduced to the "cult," the masks are creepy, but still, you never really know what's going on. The viewer is left to discern the plot from the tiniest of details introduced earlier in the film; none of which offer concrete explanations. Just a little would help. It ends up feeling like some attempt at an Ari Aster-like folk horror, but it's meh. The lead actress is really good, and she does her best with what she has. The slip design is superb. Just wish it housed a better movie. Some may enjoy this ambiguous horror more, but I felt like it was a slog to get through."