Through time, there has been all types of legends and stories surrounding the female covens, circles, cults, and others. Some of them revolve around the idea of women idolizing and paying tributes of blood and violence through men. All this to accomplish power from female deities. Today, it is easier to get more information and tracking down these secret societies, thanks to the internet, social, and media news. This concept is explored in new Found Footage film Lilin’s Brood. Directed and written by P.W. Simon (I’m Sorry Samantha 2014, Lilin Concept Preview 2014) and Artii Smith (Hallucination 2013, Ain’t That a Trip 2014), AKA Mansa Mojo Brothas, Lilin’s Brood is a chilling story released on VOD in February 2016.
- Still from Lilin’s Brood
Through Lilin’s Brood, audiences see how a “News Media” team ( W.H.I.S.T.L.E) gets stranded in the middle of nowhere near a brothel of very mysterious methods. Here, they encounter a group of very rare women who will deliver one hell of a night. With members Wolf (Martin Sensmeier: Salem TV series, On Native Ground TV series), Vanessa (Maxine Goynes: Crime Stoppers Case Files: Southern California TV series), Danny (Brent King: Arizona Sky 2008, Shadow Bringers TV series), Thomas (Alberto Barros Jr. in his debut), Art ( Artii Smith in his acting debut), Jules (Detra Jackson: Sugar Creek 2007, Miles Away 2015) on the team, they track a man named Adam who has gone missing, whose family is trying to find out what happened. The team notices that there are other disappearances with the same marks, and stories of women related that were invited into what seems to be a type of cult. Led by Vanessa, the pieces are put together, and the team star their journey.
Meanwhile, while traveling in their RV, they crash into something that left nothing more but a track of blood. It is decided it is best to have two of the crew go into the woods with a very weird looking fellow that appears out of nowhere while they examine what caused the impact. After they lose access to their cameras, the rest of the team decides to go out to find them and arrive to this ethereal brothel. They are met by Madame Plu (Melinda Milton: Monkeybone 2001, General Hospital TV series), performed in an over the top fashion who is meant to be a creole beauty that charms all the crew into her power.
- Still from Lilin’s Brood
Once the team is regrouped, they start putting hidden cameras around and finding out that the brothel is nothing more than a charade to woo the needed men to be prayed upon by the Lilin (night spirits). Interestingly, the night of their arrival is not just any old night, it is the re-birth of Lilith (Jewish female demon). As a result, one by one, each character give in to their deepest vices and pleasures, falling prey of their own actions. Meanwhile, as all Vanessa’s friends are scattered, she is one on one with Madame Plu. Thinking she is in control, she is proven to be no rival against the Madame’s powers and elixirs. Instead, she is the missing piece to Plu’s puzzle, and she will stop at nothing to get poor Vanessa in her web.
- Still from Lilin’s Brood
Even though this tale is appealing and somewhat refreshing, some viewers may find moments when Lilin’s Brood seems to be lost between lines and lenses. The story has a great base but lacks with undeveloped characters and some plot holes. Some of the death scenes, even though enticing, were missing that wow factor. Nonetheless, for the Mansa Mojo Brothers’ first full-length production, they did a decent job, and there is plenty of potential for their future. While the format of Found Footage tends to be a hit or miss, and is often over used, it served the approach purpose for Lilin’s Brood. One of the biggest grips some viewers may have with the film is Milton’s portrayal of Madame Plu, which seemed rather exaggerated at points. Although, Sensmeier delivers a good interpretation of Wolf that will keep viewers watching until the end of the film. Certainly an interesting concept to tap into for a fresh Horror genre, Lilin’s Brood is a watchable film for those interested in this Jewish legend. CrypticRock gives this movie 2.5 out of 5 stars.
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