Purgatory (2025)

Purgatory explores a Doomsayer named Isaac in a daily routine of trying to recruit individuals to join Satan’s army. The piece adopts a darkly comedic undertone as it briefly explores how pedestrians perceive Issac’s ideology in a modern-day setting. The filmmakers didn't want viewers to make fun of Issac but somehow sympathise with him, even with his outlandish ambitions. Even with its brief length, the film grapples with themes of neglect and the desire to be seen by others as a Doomsayer, the primary focus director Henry Thompson wished to convey to the audience.

The piece is immediately absorbing, thanks to its creative opening titles and a Simon & Garfunkel needle drop, which sets the tone for the duration of the runtime. The direction is engaging, with frequent use of wide-angle shots to present the neighbourhood in which Isaac engages in his routine. Another standout feature is its musical score, which is briefly interjected into scenes with no dialogue, tonally fitting the piece to further engage the viewer with its satirical edge. Comedic dialogue between Isaac and the individuals that pass him in the street is outstandingly effective due to the way he reacts to their confused states with back-and-forth gags that never fail to deliver. The most impressive feat of the screenplay is how the viewer can immediately feel empathy for Isaac, despite its condensed runtime and lack of character development.

However, the most significant detriment to the piece is its abrupt conclusion, which can make the time spent with Isaac and the supporting characters feel underwhelming due to the little narrative impact. An extended runtime could've potentially explored more of Isaac’s characterisation and what drives him to hold these beliefs, as well as the impact this has had on his relationship with others and the community that surrounds him. Depictions of Doomsayers in cinema and the media have been neglected, so filmmakers must shine a light on individuals with these beliefs, as it can further educate audiences on topics they may find uncomfortable to experience and discuss. The performances are a major standout, even with minimal screen time. The lead performance from Edward Tarling, who portrays Isaac, is endearing and easy to connect to due to his comedic timing and commitment to the character's ideology.

While it is perhaps more challenging to connect with the supporting characters due to their cruel and dismissive attitudes towards Isaac’s views, they do deliver some of the funniest gags and leave a memorable impression on the viewer. The performances and formal choices are memorable, but sadly, the overall resolution and conclusion to the narrative amount to relatively minor, with an abrupt cut to the credits. Although the use of extended footage is sprinkled throughout to give the viewer a more in-depth look into Isaac’s living situation, a longer runtime would've made the overall impact so much deeper.

Purgatory is a solid attempt at a depiction of the daily life of a Doomsayer with a wide array of impressive formal choices, even with its limited production budget. While the performances and needle drops are memorable, the brisk pacing ultimately impacts the film’s memorability and emotional resonance due to its lack of character development and the overall narrative, which amounts to very little.