Apostle

Apostle

Year: 2018

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: Gareth Evans

Echo Score: 67
DramaMysteryThrillerFantasyHorror

In 1905, Thomas Richardson embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his sister from a secretive and isolated cult. His search leads him to a seemingly tranquil island where the charismatic Prophet Malcolm holds sway. As Thomas investigates the community, he discovers a disturbing undercurrent of corruption and deception. He soon uncovers a dark secret at the heart of the cult, forcing him to confront a dangerous truth and fight to save his sister and expose the Prophet’s lies.

Apostle (2018) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Apostle (2018) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the bleak summer of 1905, the windswept coast of a remote Welsh island hides a community that seems frozen in time. The island’s rugged cliffs and mist‑cloaked fields create a haunting backdrop for a story steeped in folklore and uneasy faith. Within this isolated world, a tightly‑woven cult exerts an almost palpable influence over the few who remain, their rituals whispered in the shadows of stone cottages and ancient trees.

Thomas Richardson arrives on the island driven by desperation and a fierce love for his sister, Jennifer, who has vanished under mysterious circumstances. Posing as a newcomer, he steps into a village that appears tranquil at first glance, yet hums with an undercurrent of secrecy. The inhabitants speak reverently of a charismatic figure known only as the Prophet, Malcolm, whose enigmatic presence shapes the daily lives and beliefs of the residents. As Thomas navigates the close‑knit community, he confronts a subtle clash between outward serenity and the hidden currents that stir beneath the surface.

The tone of the film is one of slow‑burning dread, where the natural beauty of the island is juxtaposed with an oppressive sense of control. Shadows lengthen across stone walls, and the occasional chant or whispered prayer hints at a deeper, unsettling purpose behind the cult’s rituals. The atmosphere is drenched in the melancholy of early‑20th‑century rural Wales, with fog‑laden mornings and the relentless crash of sea against rock amplifying the feeling of isolation.

Amid this moody setting, Thomas must balance his determination to rescue Jennifer with the unsettling allure of the Prophet’s teachings and the complex loyalties of those who have made the island their home. The story promises a tense exploration of faith, deception, and the lengths one will go to save family when the line between salvation and sacrifice blurs.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 02:17

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Folk Horror movies with isolated cults like Apostle

Stories where ancient belief systems collide with human desperation in isolated settings.If you liked the oppressive atmosphere and brutal secrets of Apostle, explore more movies like it in the folk horror genre. This thread gathers similar films about isolated communities, dark faith, and desperate searches for truth against a backdrop of ancient, terrifying forces.

folk horroratmosphericgruesomeritualisticisolatedprimordialbrutalunsettling

Narrative Summary

A protagonist, often an outsider, enters a closed-off community bound by strange customs or worship. Their investigation peels back layers of normalcy to reveal a core of corruption, sacrifice, and a tangible, often monstrous, deity or force. The journey is one of discovery and survival against a power that is both human and inhuman.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared setting of isolated communities, the central theme of a dark and manipulative belief system, and a tone of creeping, atmospheric dread that builds to scenes of graphic and ritualistic violence. The experience is defined by a clash between modernity and primal tradition.

Thrillers about infiltrating cults like in Apostle

High-stakes missions to expose a charismatic leader's corrupt and dangerous community.For viewers who enjoyed the desperate rescue mission and exposure of religious hypocrisy in Apostle, this thread collects similar thriller movies. Discover other films about characters infiltrating dangerous cults, facing charismatic leaders, and uncovering brutal truths in a claustrophobic setting.

claustrophobicsuspensefulinvestigationcharismatic leaderrescue missioncorruptiondangerousoppressive

Narrative Summary

Driven by a personal goal—usually to save a loved one—a character infiltrates a tightly controlled group. They must maintain their cover while uncovering the cult's dark secrets, leading to a direct and violent confrontation with its powerful leader. The story is a race against time filled with paranoia and extreme danger.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core plot structure of an infiltration and investigation, a mood of extreme suspense and claustrophobia, and themes of faith, deception, and corruption. The viewing experience is defined by high tension, the psychological manipulation of the protagonist, and the visceral threat of the cult's enforcement.

Unlock the Full Story of Apostle

Don't stop at just watching — explore Apostle in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Apostle is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Apostle Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Apostle, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Apostle Summary

Apostle Timeline

Track the full timeline of Apostle with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Apostle Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Apostle

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Apostle. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Apostle

Apostle Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Apostle? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Apostle Ending Explained

More About Apostle

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