Acts of Worship
Film festivals such as Sundance are often filled with dramatic features like "Acts of Worship" — films whose intentions are often better than the end result.Of course, in most cases that also means such films are never seen again. Which is why it's surprising to see this rather somber tale of drug addiction resurface three years after its Sundance debut.
There is nothing really new or particularly insightful here, and even though "Acts" is at least watchable, it begins to fade from memory almost immediately. Which is why it may have gone without notice for so long.
Writer/director Mary Rodriguez based the story on some of her own experiences. Playing her fictional equivalent is Ana Reeder, who stars as Alix, a young addict living on the streets of Manhattan.
Alix is fortunate enough to meet and befriend Digna (Michael Hyatt), a sympathetic photographer who's gone down the same road before, who offers Alix a place to stay and a chance to rebuild her life.
Easier said than done, as Alix is clearly struggling with her addiction. Also, it doesn't help that Digna's boyfriend (Christopher Kadish) is questioning her motives, as well as Alix's sincerity.
The two lead actors are inconsistent at best. Reeder has trouble in the film's quieter scenes (she's better in the showier moments), while Hyatt's performance lacks the needed intensity.
"Acts of Worship" is not rated but would probably receive an R for frequent use of strong sexual profanity, simulated drug use (cocaine and heroin, smoked and injected), violence (gunfire and some violence against women), crude sexual talk and use of slang terms, and a brief scene of simulated sex. Running time: 94 minutes.
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