Tagging it as, “A faith film for those who like faith films…and for those who don’t,” Limesoda Films, SMALL GROUP THE MOVIE is a different type of ‘faith film.’ It releases to digital platforms on October 6.
Produced by Christos Hines and Dale Wheatley and distributed by Ocean Avenue Entertainment, it was written and directed by Matt Chastain. It stars Sterling Hurst (DARK HARBOR, BIGGER) Emily Dunlop (Doom Patrol), Matt Chastain (SMALL GROUP), Caleb Hoffman (ELECTRIC JESUS, POP-POP IS DEAD) and Robert Riechel (Stumptown, This Is Us).
About SMALL GROUP THE MOVIE
Documentary filmmaker R. Scott Cooper moves his family from Los Angeles to Athens, Georgia, after being hired to make a film about the dwindling influence of Christianity in America. Upon arrival, he learns that his producer, Ballard, intends to make a cheap hit piece rather than an objective documentary. Scott turns the job down to protect his journalistic integrity, but financial difficulties force him to negotiate with Ballard, who deceives Scott into believing that he will, in fact, tell an honest story.
To dive deeper than a public worship service will allow, Scott and his wife, Mary, infiltrate a small group at a local church, finding a group of imperfect people doing their best to live for Christ. As the Coopers’ relationship with their group grows, Ballard isn’t pleased with the direction of the documentary and exposes their infiltration, leaving viewers to see how the small group will react to such an intense betrayal.
SMALL GROUP THE MOVIE does live up to its tag. The trailer makes the film appear to be a comedy, and parts of it are funny. Some of the characters are exactly like those you meet in many churches. Some scenes look exactly like what you would see in many churches and small groups, especially churches in the South.
There are parts of the film, however, that are not comedic. There are scenes that feel contrived. Some of the characters are unbelievably two-dimensional and feel like they were added for effect and not for realism. Some scenes are hard to watch, making this a film that parents need to screen before showing to their children.
Being a faith film, there is a message. However, it is natural and organic to the story, giving the film a positive pay-off and leaving viewers with a feel-good-feeling.
SMALL GROUP THE MOVIE is rated PG-13 for thematic material including brief violence and drug references. It premieres October 6 to rent/buy on Amazon, iTunes, GooglePlay, Vudu, Redbox, Christian Cinema. The DVD will be available on Amazon and other major online platforms.
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