The Rapture

A telephone operator, bored with her job and living a night-life full of wild escapades, finds Jesus, gets married and settles down, but that's just the beginning of her story. Writer-director Michael Tolkin has been both praised and criticized for this portrait of a Born Again Christian; while the movie does contain religious elements, it's not quite Fundamentalist propaganda (neither pro nor con, it stays squarely in the middle, and is sometimes more satire than drama). Much of its overall effect rests on actress Mimi Rogers' shoulders, and her lead performance is nothing short of amazing. Hurt by a limited budget and some sloppy editing which causes confusion at critical points in the story, the film isn't a major success yet it does provide for thoughtful discussion and debate, and it gives Rogers the acting role of her career. **1/2 from ****

This is one of those films that come along in a great while that both enthralls and disturbs you. Mimi Rodgers plays a woman caught up in depressing job as a directory assistance operator with her only escape, the sexual games and encounters she has with her lover. Driven to seek a better life, she is drawn into a religious cult that has her believing the Apocalypse is near. She is chosen by the group to go out to the rugged landscape and wait for a sign from God. What happens there is the remarkable and torturous journey of a woman brought to madness and questioning all that she believes in. This film haunts you long afterwards like witnessing a roadside accident. You are mesmerized by the horror of it while at the same time wanting to turn away. This film is powerful, provocative and deeply moving. A must see for serious film lovers.

A haunting movie -- one that lingers in the mind (and the heart) for a long time afterwards. Mimi Rogers turns in a stunning performance as a woman trapped in a cycle of dull work and duller play, whose life is transformed twice -- first by a religious conversion, and then by coming face to face with the literal meaning of that conversion. She is incandescent in her belief, and in the movie's final scenes, takes on the epic proportions of a Job or King Lear. You may be puzzled, conflicted, or even offended by what the movie "means," but you won't be able to walk away from it untouched.

Uncommon mix of sex and religion is hard hitting and thought provoking. Mimi Rogers, giving easily the finest performance of 1991 (and many other years), was completely overlooked by the industry, and that's unfortunate for us. She is so superb in this film, that it is inconceivable that she doesn't work more than she does. She is supported by a fine cast, most notably, Kimberly Cullum, as Mary. It's too bad that Mimi Rogers isn't given more roles in Hollywood; but we do have this performance, in this film, and I highly recommend it!

One of the most intriguing movies I've ever seen and most underrated I might add. I'm not religious but this movie is mesmerizing from the performances to the script and poses a lot of interesting questions about life as well as religion. Why Mimi Rogers didn't become a Star after this, I don't know. Now she's reduced to movie to movies like Lost in Space and guest appearances on X-files with her costar of Rapture, David Duchovney. Check this out. You won't be sorry.