is an effectively slow-paced, atmospheric, supernatural thriller. The entire film takes place in a house inhabited by Vera (Virginia Newcomb), Ray (Michael LaCour) and their young son Sam (Cannon Bosarge). Right from the beginning it is apparent that something is wrong between the parents. Ray appears distant and it almost seems like Vera is parenting Sam by herself. All three of them seem somewhat on edge. Then, strange things begin happening in the house. What is going on in that house? What is the meaning of the creepy dreams the three of them are having? And what is going on between Vera and Ray?

These questions are answered in a film that maintains an ominous feel without ever tilting over into outright horror. There is no violence or gore, but it is still successful at building tension. The mood is helped by the cinematography which keeps certain things in the background just enough so you’re not sure what is really there. The editing is also very effective. Shots are kept long enough to imply possible answers, but not kept so long that the answers become obvious. I will say, I was pretty sure I knew where the movie was headed after about fifteen minutes. While it did go there, it was in a way I did not expect. And then it kept going. The Atoning becomes a much deeper film than it appears initially.