Let’s Start A Cult

Let’s Start A Cult has its share of cringe-worthy comedy and a few gags don’t land. However, thanks to the expertly crafted script, all the characters, even Chip, have a good amount of depth and motivation to them. One of the more serious moments is when Jim puts Diane and Tyler firmly in their place compared to Chip. It lands with shocking poignancy and really sneaks up on audiences. But no worries, the film is genuinely hilarious from beginning to end. Ethan Suplee plays Chip’s brother and is hysterical. When Diane pulls a fast one on Robbie (C.M. Punk), it is so funny that viewers will practically fall out of their seats.

Admittedly, everything is tidied up very neatly at the end… too neatly, in fact. The characters have their issues and must find a way to deal with them, or stay in the cult if they so choose. But the conclusion implies, probably unintentionally, that it is easy to clean up one’s act and achieve all that life has to offer. Considering how insightful much of the story is until then, this is a little surprising. But to give credit where it’s due, there are a good number of jokes during the last few minutes, so maybe it is meant to be a riff on those overly good-feeling endings; this is a comedy, after all.

“…not a misstep to be had.”

But that hardly detracts from all the positives of Let’s Start A Cult. From the directing to the acting, there’s not a misstep to be had. Halkias commits to the bit wholeheartedly. He goes from being an easily despicable fool to a very tender-hearted friend with ease. Haney is charming and disarming in that creepy yet interesting way a cult leader always is. Simonsen nails his big moment, while Rahill is consistently funny. Fullan is such a delightful presence one wonders why she isn’t a bigger star yet.

Minor issues with the ending aside, Let’s Start A Cult is fantastic and worth watching every second of the hour-and-a-half runtime. The directing balances the comedy and drama superbly while the reasons someone would want to join a cult are explored with surprising depth. The cast is excellent, as each actor brings their character to life in amusing ways. Irritating characters can be likable and funny, who knew?

For more information, visit the official Let’s Start A Cult site.