Writer-director Riley Stearns delivers the bizarre dramedy ‘Faults,’ a film that blends terror with unexpected humor. Stearns's unusual look at cults and mind control is strikingly original, standing out as one of the most unique psychological dramas in recent years. The film’s appeal rests largely on Leland Orser’s performance as Ansel Roth, a former expert on cult activities who finds himself struggling financially and otherwise. He must then confront his own issues while ironically attempting to deprogram others. ‘Faults’ explores sensitive themes with a playful and mischievous tone. The movie is darkly twisted and fascinating because of Stearns's interest in his flawed characters and the difficult situations they face. Orser portrays Roth as seriously flawed, which forms the basis for Stearns’s chaotic and disillusioning world. It would be easy to dismiss Ansel Roth as a loser with questionable ethics. While he has written a book about deprogramming cult victims, Roth is now in a precarious situation. To improve his circumstances, he needs to return to his profession as a psychologist. He gets that chance when a couple asks for his help rescuing their daughter, Claire (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), from the cult known as Faults. For the parents of the missing Claire, Roth’s involvement offers a glimmer of hope and a way for him to overcome his personal struggles. However, he spiraled downward after a former patient committed suicide during deprogramming. This explains his current state – living out of his car, relying on food vouchers, and trying to sell his book at sparsely attended seminars. He often eats ketchup packets as meals and endures beatings during his sessions, making it seem like Roth can’t catch a break. Roth readily accepts the opportunity to help Claire, intending to exploit the couple's distress for financial gain while also regaining some respect in his field. His involvement is also tied to his own safety; he owes money to his ex-manager and must avoid collection from an enforcer. A key element of ‘Faults’ lies in the complex portrayals of both Orser and Winstead, who are caught in a disturbing psychological conflict. Roth is a self-destructive man, and Stearns's ironic depiction of a “fixer” needing his own mental repair is both amusing and compelling. Orser portrays Roth as a disaster whose arrogance and flawed morality evoke sympathy. Winstead’s Claire is captivating as a brainwashed young woman battling inner turmoil. The supporting cast, including Jon Gries and Lance Riddick, also contribute to the film's unsettling yet witty atmosphere. ‘Faults’ is a clever black comedy that remains true to its tone of outrageous misfortune. It’s a psychological character study that examines unconventional conflict with conviction. The performances by Orser and Winstead are particularly noteworthy, demonstrating the strength of Stearns’s examination of damaged boundaries. Faults (2014) Screen Media Films 1 hr. 30 mins. Starring: Leland Orser, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jon Gries, Lance Riddick, Chris Ellis and Beth Grant Written and Directed by: Riley Stearns MPAA Rating: NR Genre: Psychological Drama/Cults and Deprogramming Caper Critic’s rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars)

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