Them That Follow is a slow-burning psychological thriller with elements of horror and drama, set in a secluded religious community. Directed by Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage, the film explores themes of faith, fear, and the power of religious fanaticism. Its tense atmosphere, grounded performances, and exploration of extreme belief systems create a gripping, unsettling narrative.
The film is set in a remote, snake-handling Pentecostal church in the Appalachian Mountains. **Mara Childs** (played by **Alice Englert**), the daughter of the church’s pastor, **Lemuel Childs** (played by **Walton Goggins**), is at the heart of the story. Lemuel leads a congregation that practices an extreme form of faith, believing that handling venomous snakes is a demonstration of their devotion to God. They believe that if their faith is pure, they will be protected from snake bites.
Mara is secretly involved with **Augie** (played by **Thomas Mann**), a young man who has distanced himself from the church’s teachings. However, Mara is being pushed to marry **Garrett** (played by **Lewis Pullman**), a devout follower of the church. As Mara’s relationship with Augie threatens to come to light, tensions rise within the community. When Augie is bitten by a snake, his life hangs in the balance, testing the limits of faith, loyalty, and the control that the church holds over its followers.
