The Reverend (2024) Film Review
Nick Canfield‘s The Reverend is a beautiful movie. It tells of Reverend Vince Anderson, a rocker specializing in fast-paced gospel music with an agenda. Vince dropped out of seminary many years ago, and he finally listened to his heart. He wanted to play and sing for audiences. But he never dropped the attitude and leadership style. Thus he became Reverend Vince, a different kind of preacher whose ability to do music speaks for itself and plays every song as if it were the last. To see this kind of passion in modern music is almost uncanny.
The documentary The Reverend is a thorough compilation of everything that made Vince what he is today. A rock star, a veteran, and, best of all, a kind soul who’s able to see beyond the impact he makes with his music. Vince hosts church sessions and all sorts of activism without a specific reason. He just believes the world can be better, and he uses exciting music to leave his message with his listeners. Vince hasn’t only played with his band, The Love Choir, for decades. He has also made sure to contribute to social justice and always offers a helping hand to a world that needs healing and comfort.
The most interesting aspect of the film is, undoubtedly, seeing him perform. But during the day, Vince walks his dog, buys groceries, and displays some love for the woman he’s in love with. At night, a band introduces him to the tiny stage where he sings his heart out, screams in tune in a guttural voice, and offers concert attendees a distinct music style that hits a raw nerve and leaves you shaking. The best thing about it is that Vince has found a perfect balance between the visceral aspect of music that’s almost sexual in nature and the values brought on by religion that not many musicians address outside fundamentalist offshoots. You will shake, but Vince will remind you of what makes you shake, and it’s not exactly something to be embarrassed about.
Canfield’s film is optimistic enough to leave a smile on your face. Luckily, a smile sponsored by a very valuable dude whose personal story is admirable and almost mystic. There’s an energy in his words and his charisma that feels powerful and invasive. It’s almost a part of his persona, but then you see that the man outside the spotlight is also an authentic and kind brother with the capacity to speak the truth and teach you a lesson or two.
The Reverend is the winner of the Doc NYC Festival Audience Award, and frankly, you can see how the documentary deserves a look beyond its character-driven study of a very peculiar character. Reverend Vince’s charisma is almost too loud and idealistic in a world where first-class musicians aren’t exactly musicians and don’t communicate through music like others do. If you find yourself wanting to go to one of his concerts, then the job here is done.
