Film Review: Mind Body Spirit (2023) Demonic Yoga

Anya, an aspiring yoga influencer, decides to take on her grandmother’s regime for ‘good health’ after finding her notes in a secret room of her house where she is currently staying. However, as she aims to connect with her heritage, she soon finds that there is something sinister to the words, and she unwittingly invites an angry spirit into her world.

The ‘screen life’ sub-genre has certainly blossomed in the found-footage space and has since given way to some of the best in the genre; from acclaimed movies like Rob Savage’s Host to indie standouts like Isaac Rodriguez’s Deadware. The style still has plenty of fuel, and Mind Body Spirit offers another standout.

Still from Mind Body Spirit

While light on the scares, with only a few jumps throughout, Mind Body Spirit does a wonderful job balancing drama, comedy, and horror. This extends to the inserted commercials, which would generally be an annoyance, but they immerse one in the world of would-be influencers and Silicon Valley persona con men.

These are a highlight of the production, but its strengths remain in its found-footage horror roots. Despite its largely upbeat tone, due to comedy and the enthusiasm of its star, Mind Body Spirit has a deceptive way of weaving in shocks and moments of gross-out horror that will still appease those looking for scares.

Mind Body Spirit film review

One of the most endearing strengths of Mind Body Spirit is how well it pokes fun at modern health obsessions and grifters in the field while still keeping protagonist Anya as a likable character. Certain elements of hers are shortsighted, and as an observer, she is also very misguided in her attempt to find stardom online as a means to help solve her problems. However, this vulnerability makes her both endearing and relatable, as even in her restrained and likely unreasonable attempt to make it big online, there is an admirable sincerity to her actions.

Sarah J. Bartholomew shines in her role as Anya, and the movie’s success, given that it is solely focused on her, is as much down to her performance as it is the witty scripting of writer/director team Alex Henes and Matthew Merenda. It is not an overtly emotional or varied performance, but it requires a strong and likable personality which Sarah J. Bartholomew delivers perfectly.

Madi Bready, while only having a minor supporting role, also brings an obnoxious bravado to her character that makes up the best comedic elements of the film; her commercial, in particular, spouting empty platitudes about being a girl boss is particularly uproarious.

Mind Body Spirit is not wholly unique in the found-footage genre, but it delivers everything fans will be looking for, especially those who appreciate a comedic edge. A highlight of The Unnamed Footage Festival, it should not be missed.

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