By His Hand might be defined by messianic fervour, but audiences experiencing this introspective road movie for the first time would do well to curb their preconceptions. Director Taylor Paur has crafted something with a pulse and purpose, that leans into atmospherics to establish tone and authenticity. Tackling heavy hitting topics against the backdrop of awe-inspiring locations, asking only that audiences make up their own mind.
Key to that authenticity is the charismatic turn from Steve Luna as Fowler, forging a fire and brimstone force of nature performance from the ashes of those opening minutes. Best known for Yellowstone spin-off 1923, Luna wields the power of belief employing words as weapons to influence his collective. Actively encouraging the use of natural hallucinogens as a tool to convince, manipulate, and suppress individuality. A stark slice of social commentary delivered with artistry and subtly by director Taylor Paur.
By His Hand is not simply a by-the-numbers road movie peppered with character-driven epiphanies. Ryann Bailey gives Emma an inner peace throughout the film that flies in the face of conventional expectations, tapping into an institutionalised trauma which embodies her character without resorting to scenery chewing. Chase Ramsay goes in the other direction, giving Sam an edgy and fractious presence that screams uncertainty in the face of escalating events.
Image Courtesy of Scryer Productions
At its best, this film feels like a series of intriguing vignettes that connect Sam, Emma, and Fowler. Each walking their own path to enlightenment and understanding, even if that leaves audiences with unanswered questions. The ambiguity of By His Hand combined with the exploration of institutionalised religion on a broader scale, gives this movie serious kudos without feeling overly earnest. However, whether audiences are prepared to join them on this journey is the only question worth asking.
Thankfully, this movie never decides to preach from the pulpit on matters of belief, choosing instead to present the facts through fiction and step away. The complexity of those performances from these principle players is testament to that fact as By His Hand goes beyond conventional archetypes to convey character. Revelling in the strengths and weaknesses of Fowler, Sam, and Emma as they experience their own catharsis.
At no point does By His Hand offer up easy answers either, even as this concisely plotted indie drama concludes. It explores the advantages of institutionalised religion to some who need meaning beyond their own perspective but also addresses something darker. Highlighting the rhetoric of religious doctrine irrespective of origin and illustrating its corrosive nature in the wrong hands. Making certain moments in this film feel more like a psychological thriller than anything spiritual.
What audiences walk away with from this film will be subjective. By His Hand will be a polarising experience for many because of what it addresses, upsetting some and appeasing others. Either way, it lights the blue touch paper of debate and walks away leaving opinions in its wake.
By His Hand is available now on digital download from Prime Video and Hoopla.