Movie Overview
Released in 2021, The Unholy is a supernatural horror film that blends religious mystery with terrifying thrills. Directed by Evan Spiliotopoulos, the movie stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Gerry Fenn, a disgraced journalist who stumbles upon a miracle in a small New England town. The story centers on Alice Pagett, played by Cricket Brown, a young hearing-impaired girl who claims to have been visited by the Virgin Mary. After the encounter, Alice miraculously gains the ability to hear, speak, and heal the sick, drawing massive crowds and global attention to her town. As the community hails her as a saint, Fenn investigates the phenomena, suspecting there is more to the story than meets the eye.
The cast features strong performances, with Jeffrey Dean Morgan bringing his signature gravitas to the role of the skeptical reporter. Cricket Brown delivers a breakout performance as Alice, capturing the character's innocence and the frightening weight of her newfound powers. The film also stars William Sadler and Cary Elwes, adding depth to the supporting cast as the townspeople and clergy grapple with the implications of the miracles. As the plot unfolds, the line between divine intervention and demonic possession blurs, leading to a series of chilling events that question the origin of these gifts.
Behind the camera, director Evan Spiliotopoulos makes his solo directorial debut, transitioning from a successful career as a screenwriter in the action and fantasy genres. The Unholy explores themes of faith, skepticism, and the dangerous allure of fame, all wrapped in a classic horror atmosphere. The film’s tone is eerie and suspenseful, relying on jump scares and a growing sense of dread rather than excessive gore, fitting its PG-13 rating.
Upon its release on Netflix and other platforms, The Unholy received mixed reviews from critics. It holds a 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 36/100 on Metacritic, with praise often directed at the atmosphere and performances, though some critics found the plot derivative. Despite the lukewarm critical reception, the film has found an audience among fans of religious horror and supernatural thrillers. If you are looking to watch online and enjoy movies that explore the darker side of faith, The Unholy offers a compelling entry worth adding to your list.
