Barefoot to Jerusalem (2008)

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Elements of folklore meld with illuminating truths about modern life in The Juniper Tree director Nietzchka Keene's final film, a tale of one woman's quest for redemption, and her earthly struggle against the Devil himself. An irresistible beauty, Mara (Meleah Veit) is pursued by the smitten… More Elements of folklore meld with illuminating truths about modern life in The Juniper Tree director Nietzchka Keene's final film, a tale of one woman's quest for redemption, and her earthly struggle against the Devil himself. An irresistible beauty, Mara (Meleah Veit) is pursued by the smitten Geoffrey. Yet despite Geoffrey's best efforts in winning her heart, Mara does not love him in return. After calling Mara late one night and claiming to have discovered the perfection of love in his desire for her, Geoffrey hangs up the telephone and commits suicide. At first, Mara is able to fend off feelings of guilt, though it isn't long before her sense of self starts to crumble. Confessing her guilt to a local priest, Mara is troubled that the man of the cloth has no answers for her. Then one night, while attending a party, Mara sees a terrible vision of Geoffrey's death, and inexplicably begins walking barefoot to an unknown destination. By sunrise the next morning Mara is already outside the city. As she silently winds her way through the countryside, surviving by stealing and begging, the mute wanderer attempts to ignore the handsome young man who seems to shadow her every move. Is he mocking her, or could be under the illusion that she is somehow holy? As strange things begin to happen all around Mara, she soon attracts a number of followers. But upon reaching Lake Superior, Mara realizes that she can go no further and begins hiding out in an old water pumping station near the shore. Why is it that unlucky fisherman catch a bounty when Mara is around, and what of the rocks that soar through the air in her presence? Before long, Mara's mysterious shadow has convinced her followers that she is a saint, and they begin bringing her food and water. Despite Mara's best efforts to convince them she is simply penitent, and not a saint, the people continue to pray to her. Before long, Mara has realized that the man following her is actually the Devil, and that she was destined to meet him on her journey. Now, before her journey comes to an end, Mara must summon the strength needed to do battle with the Devil, and destroy him once and for all. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi