Them That Follow (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place in Appalachia, a mountainous region in the Eastern United States known for its cultural isolation and deep-rooted traditions. This setting is central to the story, as the remote location allows for the development of unique religious communities, including serpent-handling Pentecostal churches. The landscape and isolation reinforce the tension between the characters and the outside world.

• appalachia
• setting
• location
• religion
• remote

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting a modern era where traditional beliefs clash with current realities. While no specific year is given, the story addresses ongoing societal issues like family pressure, religious manipulation, and the impact of faith in today's world.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• era

Snake handling is a central element representing the dangerous extremes believers may go to in the name of faith. The serpent-handling ritual serves as a powerful symbol of tests of faith, where church members handle poisonous snakes during worship as a demonstration of their devotion and divine protection. This practice creates constant tension and danger throughout the narrative.

• snake handling
• ritual
• faith
• serpent
• church
• danger

Faith is the predominant theme, shaping the characters' identities and driving their choices. Mara's struggle between her father's expectations and her own desires illustrates the complex relationship between faith and personal freedom. The dangerous snake-handling rituals underscore how religious conviction can push people to extremes.

• faith
• belief
• religion
• devotion
• church

Secrets are a major narrative force, particularly Mara's hidden pregnancy which creates a web of deceit affecting everyone in the community. The theme of redemption runs through Augie's journey and the choices of other characters seeking forgiveness. Hope Slaughter's decision to protect Mara despite the consequences also reflects this theme of redemption and moral choice.

• secrets
• pregnancy
• redemption
• forgiveness
• deceit

Mara's journey represents a path toward self-empowerment as she navigates her father's oppressive control and her community's expectations. Her decision to leave her father's influence and support Augie demonstrates personal strength and growth. The film portrays this as a testament to human resilience when facing societal and religious constraints.

• empowerment
• freedom
• strength
• independence
• Mara

Mara is the daughter of Pastor Lemuel Childs, caught between her father's rigid religious expectations and her own desires. She harbors a significant secret, her pregnancy, and must navigate the conflicting loyalties to her father, her community, and her relationship with Augie. Her journey reveals deep resilience and ultimately leads her to make impactful decisions about her life.

• Mara Childs
• daughter
• pastor
• pregnancy
• protagonist

Lemuel Childs is the stern pastor who leads the serpent-handling Pentecostal church in Appalachia. He embodies the conflict between faith and family loyalty, adhering to rigid religious traditions that often blind him to his daughter's emotional needs. His actions, while driven by a desire to protect the congregation, lead to tragic consequences for those around him.

• Lemuel Childs
• pastor
• father
• church leader
• authority

Hope Slaughter is a powerful figure within the church community and Augie's mother. She navigates the tension between family loyalty and moral choices, ultimately becoming an unexpected ally for Mara. Her decision to protect Mara from the repercussions of societal judgment reveals her compassion and understanding of redemption.

• Hope Slaughter
• mother
• ally
• support
• redemption

Augie is a rebellious figure who has distanced himself from the church, representing the struggle for redemption. As Mara's former love interest and the father of her unborn child, his longing for reconnection displays vulnerability amidst his chaotic situation. His narrative explores the impact of societal rejection and the quest for forgiveness.

• Augie
• redemption
• rebellion
• outsider
• forgiveness

Garret is a well-meaning but misguided character caught between Mara and her father's expectations. His reaction to discovering Mara's secret reveals a violent side that contrasts with his desire for commitment. His arc illustrates the dangers of unexamined faith and the consequences of trying to uphold rigid societal norms.

• Garret
• expectations
• faith
• violence
• commitment

The film depicts a serpent-handling Pentecostal church in the Appalachian wilderness, a closed, tight-knit community with dangerous rituals. This religious sect is known for handling poisonous snakes during worship as a test of faith. The community operates with strict authority figures and internal pressure to conform, creating an oppressive environment for those who question the rules.

• church
• community
• cult
• Pentecostal
• snake handlers
• sect