The Severed Sun, the debut film from Dean Puckett, offers a quick, cutting critique of religious dogma, conformity, and modern-day witch hunts.
Writer & Director: Dean Puckett
Genre: Horror
Run Time: 80′
U.S. Release: May 16, 2025
U.K. Release: TBA
Where to Watch: In theatres, on digital and VOD
What happens when dogmatic, charismatic religious leaders begin to clash with their conspiracy-minded congregations? What happens when abuse turns to other forms of violence? What happens when people feel desperate to escape their confined, controlled communities?
One could probably look at many modern religious institutions to find the answers to these questions. Scandal and abuse have sadly infiltrated many of these sacred spaces. Alternatively, one could look to Dean Puckett’s The Severed Sun. With his debut folk horror tale, Puckett deftly, if imperfectly, dismantles some of the most pressing issues inside these communities.
Magpie (Emma Appleton) is the daughter of The Pastor (Toby Stephens), the leader of an isolated church. Trapped in an abusive arranged marriage, Magpie goes to extreme measures to free herself. The residents begin to wonder what Magpie has done, and discuss the recurring appearances of a creature called the Beast.
From the opening shot of the moon, it’s clear Puckett possesses powerful skill behind the camera. Silhouetted shots of characters walking up a hill and some of the close ups will bring to mind the likes of Bergman’s The Seventh Seal (though maybe I just always have Bergman on the brain). Some of the cinematographer Ian Forbes’ sweeping flourishes also reminded me of Terrence Malick, if Malick were more focused on the natural world’s depravity rather than its beauty. Indeed, one of the film’s visual motifs are these dark, oozing branches that begin to cover and choke the luscious greenery out of the village. In a story largely concerned with how corruption and sin can squeeze out beauty, Puckett and crew found smart, intriguing ways of visualizing the movie’s core themes.
While the filmmaking itself is spell-binding, some of the performances feel misplaced. Appleton shines, and Stephens is both charismatic and menacing, depending on the scene, but some of the supporting players around them, intentionally or not, feel as though they were trying to bring a dose of campiness to the proceedings. Some of the inexperience on the part of the actors may hold some viewers back, but many will choose to focus on Puckett’s filmmaking and the themes he’s exploring.
The folk horror tale seems separated from others seeking to critique today’s religious institutions due to its level of nuance. The Pastor represents corruption and power that leaders often try to hold on to, no matter what. The townspeople, and Johdi May’s Andrea, especially, represent the dangers of a tribal community that has allowed conspiracy theories and unhealthy conformity to corrupt a society from within. Though this complex web of themes is appreciated, it feels as though Puckett occasionally had trouble navigating those themes narratively. Some scenes feel out-of-place or even contradictory to the movie’s message, though repeat viewings could be enlightening. It’s clear Puckett has much on his mind, and I am willing to concede that he may be up to even more than I thought.
Borrowing from recent folk horrors like The Witch and Midsommar, The Severed Sun establishes itself as a worthy entry in the genre. Puckett, though a new filmmaker with the setbacks associated with a debut film, crafted an eerie, twisted tale about several dangers that take place in our religious institutions. It’s a bleak outlook, one that has us questioning who and what the Beasts in our lives may be.
The Severed Sun: Movie Plot & Recap
Synopsis:
Terror strikes when a member of an isolated religious community is found murdered. Desperate for answers, the townspeople and their Pastor try to piece together what is happening, with some blaming a terrifying Beast hidden in the woods. Others seem intent on blaming the Pastor’s daughter.
Pros:
- Puckett’s critique is surprisingly nuanced, with thematic layers to each of his characters and a sharp filmmaking style that pulls from the likes of Bergman and Terrence Malick.
- The visuals are a standout, on both a technical and thematic level.
Cons:
- There are times when the film has a little too much on its mind, leaving some of the plot threads and themes underdeveloped in its 80-minute run time.
- While there are two strong central performances, the supporting cast shows a lack of experience that could hold some viewers back from the story.
The Severed Sun will be released in US theatres, on digital and VOD on May 16, 2025.
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