Brigham City (2001)

71% of critics liked it
(24 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(1,744 ratings)

In this dramatic murder mystery from the director of God's Army, Richard Dutcher -- who is also this film's writer, producer, and star -- plays Wes Clayton, a young deputy sheriff who resides in a quiet Mormon community called Brigham. The town is turned upside down when a woman from California is… More In this dramatic murder mystery from the director of God's Army, Richard Dutcher -- who is also this film's writer, producer, and star -- plays Wes Clayton, a young deputy sheriff who resides in a quiet Mormon community called Brigham. The town is turned upside down when a woman from California is found murdered near her car. Wes, with the aid of his young deputy (Matthew A. Brown), the town's retired sheriff (Wilford Brimley), and an idealistic secretary (Carrie Morgan), is sent to investigate the bizarre occurrence. A federal agent (Tayva Patch) also becomes involved, and Wes slowly finds himself becoming the spiritual leader of this typically sleepy small town. He must unveil some of its underlying secrets to solve the murder, while also trying to keep the peace of the Mormon community surrounding him. This feature, like God's Army, was independently produced by Dutcher with the aid of Mormon supporters. ~ Jason Clark, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 59 min.
Directed By: Richard Dutcher
Written By: Richard Dutcher
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Apr 6, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Apr 30, 2002
Studio: Zion Films

Critic Reviews

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
A passable murder mystery.
Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times
The performances ... are impeccable.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
In some ways it's an interesting failure.
Al Brumley, Dallas Morning News
An intriguing look at the Mormon Church wrapped around an equally engaging whodunit.
Cody Clark, Mr. Showbiz
Moviegoers of any (or no) religious persuasion can share in the simple satisfaction of [Dutcher's] tense, well-spun murder mystery.
John Petrakis, Chicago Tribune
A story of religious pride and spiritual negligence that begs closer analysis.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
I guess the big surprise for me was in how well the murder mystery was crafted and so smoothly intertwined with the film's religious trappings.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
That the Sheriff investigating the case is a bishop in the Mormon Church is certainly unusual, if not unprecedented, in movies. That this low-budget independent film, with lots of religious overtones, happens to be a well-made film is also unusual.
Audrey Rock-Richardson, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin (Utah)
...takes some inappropriate religious liberties, but still manages to be downright creepy and suspenseful.
Bruce Bennett, Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
An important spiritual statement--while at the same time proving that a movie can be dramatic without being profane, thought- provoking without being graphic, and moving without the typical Hollywood shock techniques.
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews
Filled with actors who deliver such flawless performances that you have to keep reminding yourself that they're just acting.
Donald Munro, Fresno Bee
Isn't a bad little thriller in its own right.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A tight and surprisingly effective murder mystery.