Faults (2015) | Movie Review

Leland Orser stars as Ansel Roth, a leading expert on cults and mind control. While Ansel is the definitive voice on this topic, he is a spectacular failure in all other avenues of life. The man steals batteries from TV remotes, this is exactly what bottoming out looks like. Pathetic and desperate, Ansel reluctantly agrees to assist a couple deprogram their seemingly naïve daughter, Claire (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), from the ominously titled group, Faults.

After kidnapping Claire, Ansel sets out on a five-day crusade to cleanse Claire of her cultish obsession and reintroduce her to the stability of what society defines as ‘normalcy’. As the film progresses and we learn more about both Claire and Ansel as individuals, it steadily escalates into a back-and-forth battle of wills where only one side stands a chance of absolution.

The less you know walking into ‘Faults’ the better, so know that I will tread cautiously here. Unlike many independent films of late, this is a story of careful design, intricately peeling back the layers of detail until you are left with confusion and awe is how this film is designed to play out. Writer and director Riley Stearns wants you to understand these characters over time, confidently building the tension until that final scene. Stearns’ work here reminds me of an early Bryan Singer in Apt Pupil, allowing the film to breathe and play out naturally as opposed to sprinting for the finish line.

Leland Orser is that guy you know. You see him on screen and immediately think ‘I KNOW him’, you just can’t place him. Often the supporting actor, Orser has had a long career in several strong films (Taken, The Guest, The Bone Collector), and here Stearns give him a starring role worthy of his talents. Playing a character that is despicable is no hard feat, the character is initially written as slimy and Orser has that aspect down pat. Playing a character who is despicable yet eventually not only garners your sympathy, but by the end of the film wins your affection, now that takes talent and craft: something Orser has in spades and he revels in the opportunity to finally showcase those talents on full display. Hopefully ‘Faults’ affords Orser the chance to take the reins more often.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead has been the best thing in so many films (Smashed, Scott Pilgrim), it is absolutely shocking she does not have a larger career by this point. Claire is just one more opportunity for Winstead to showcase that she is currently the best actress Hollywood keeps somehow forgetting about. Why the Faults clan drew Claire in, and how far Claire has truly gone, are both questions that Winstead handles deftly, as those of us in the audience struggle to piece her puzzle of a story together before the final frame. By that closing shot, you are going to need to see more of Winstead at a theater near you immediately.

What may turn some people away is the minimalistic nature of ‘Faults’. While there are several strong supporting performances (Lance Reddick, Jon Gries, Beth Grant), the majority of the film is structured as a two-character play between Ansel and Claire. There are a few scenes that do not glide as smoothly as they could, but overall this is a tight and taut script full of insightful revelations and one of the more pleasant surprises so far in 2015.

If you are the type of filmgoer who demands constant whiz-bang effects, a pounding score, and random action sequences – prepare to be disappointed. If, on the other hand, you are open to storytelling via character building sharply explained through performance and dialogue – then give way to ‘Faults’. This is a special film from a director to watch.

Starring Leland Orser, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Written by Riley Stearns
Directed by Riley Stearns

Aaron Peterson
The Hollywood Outsider