A film around a cult is a subject of dryness. There are many myths, facts, and elements associated with them. In A Sacrifice, the components of a cult create a fascination trail behind it. Written and directed by Jordan Scott, a cult has danger abound. Its presentation is slow because its momentum does not feel valid. A Sacrifice starts with the concept of research behind a cult. Later on, it jumps to frightening and suspenseful aspects. The placements of them feel off. It is made hazy.

The setting of the film is in Germany. Its main character of focus is a social psychologist, Ben Monroe (played by Eric Bana). Ben is American and working in a foreign country. He is teaching courses and conducting research. He must learn a new routine in his life in Germany when his daughter, Mazzy (played by Sadie Sink), comes into the picture. Mazzy is a girl who is eager for connection and popularity. The setting of her life in Germany is one of a red flag. Mazzy’s disconnect leads her to find the wrong friend. She meets Martin (played Jonas Dassler). Martin introduces her to a cult group. It is run by Hilma (played by Sophie Rois). The fascination with the chemistry of Mazzy’s fixation on Martin is the death trap of sinister in A Sacrifice.

The dynamic is softly written in A Sacrifice. There is a disconnect between Ben and Mazzy. Ben is trying to focus on his career and developing close relationships with acquaintances. Mazzy is trying to adapt to her new life in her new country. The cult group may seem like a vibe of culture for Mazzy to click with. The sinister aspects though come up with feelings of irrelevance. There are events leading up to the many evil moments. Its upbringing though rises. The context of trying to find suspense is not in focus with A Sacrifice.

The setting of Germany connected to me. My parents went to school in Germany. I visited Germany a few times in my teens. The setting of the film reminded me of the infrastructure of the country itself. It is one of density. The “density” of the film’s setting boils the cult focus to congregate surreally.

The writing, the cinematography, and the plot have a wealth of meaning. The outline and the dynamic of cliffhangers is the botheration of A Sacrifice. Where is the depth of evil in the cult group run by Hilma? Is there a theory of science having beliefs to mean something more terrifying? Is the complicated dynamic between Ben and Mazzy why the cult is growing on Mazzy? Martin has a heart and presents himself as a nice and genuine individual. Hilma is his bad influence of pressure. Hilma is why Martin keeps pushing for Mazzy to be part of the cult. While Ben is doing his work in Germany, the pressures of danger are happening with his daughter. A dynamic of suspense with speaking value, its presentation is in a boiling pot of lack of development. My rating falls at two out of four stars for A Sacrifice.