“Acts of Believers” is a title that whetted my appetite. It immediately reminded me of the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ in Scripture. Naturally, I expected something along the lines of the greater works Jesus said His disciples would do. The movie turned out quite different, however. Quite literally, I believe it focuses on the works found in the hands of believers, as opposed to what they profess.
This feature sets out to tackle the rise of “new age” churches and doctrines, which might be regarded as a feature of the Gen Z ‘movement’, if you will. It depicts a trend where materialism is key, decency is de-emphasised and immorality is condoned. “Acts of Believers” therefore does well to contrast “Old School” Christianity with the more “Reckless” kind. Productions like this are important because they remind us of the ancient landmarks that should not be moved. That is the way to maintain sanity in a world where standards are constantly shifting.
On the technical side, however, there is much room for improvement. Strikingly, there was little chemistry within the different groups of actors. Even the much-loved “Daddy-Mummy” dynamic for instance — so well known to fans of the “Abattoir” series — which could have deepened the connection between Rev. Adebiyi and his wife, only further highlighted the gap. Furthermore, the story could have been streamlined for a more focused narrative. It is difficult to identify the main plot in relation to the subplots, and the overall tone, mood, and rhythm of the film remain rather flat.
The film is also heavily dependent on dialogue, often at the expense of action that should have been shown. Key scenes such as at least one or two new age church services, or even Sandra’s healing(?) were only talked about. Meanwhile, a few less essential scenes that did not move the plot forward were included instead. As story consultant Robert McKee teaches, the Inciting Incident and other essential beats of the central plot must happen onscreen, not merely between scenes or in dialogue. A stronger emphasis on visual storytelling would have made “Acts of Believers” a more structured narrative — without necessarily making it a longer one.
That said, the film raises an important reflection. The rise of these strange churches and doctrines reveals the different states of the human heart. It produces “Christians” without standards — those who neither have the form of godliness nor acknowledge its power. It is astonishing what the human mind can invent to justify satisfying the flesh. Some don’t begin that way, but, as Scripture says, “evil communication corrupts good manners.”
The movie concludes with a timely reminder: the need to pray and intercede for ministers of the gospel, because so much of what sheep do is predicated on what their shepherds say.
The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/2RIob43Fzy8?si=5_epAe8IFiueQxbw
Till the next review, stay blessed!
Film Credits
ACTS OF BELIEVERS (September 12, 2025)
61 minutes
HOVAM Films
Cast
Jide Ogunmilade as Rev Adebiyi
Toyin Aluko as Mrs Adebiyi
Adebayo Omotosho as Thomas
Olugbenga Babatunde as Abbey
Crew
Screenplay
Festus Oluwatosin Adewole
Director of Photography
Temidayo Ayodele
Editor
Festus Oluwatosin Adewole
Director
Festus Oluwatosin Adewole
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