It is a new kind of as science is pitted against religion in this sometimes very tense thriller from director Conor Allyn.

Grace Burnham is a New York-based psychologist who has heard of a story involving a little boy who finds himself with certain abilities that can’t be explained. She decides to head to the plantation where the little boy lives and at first, seems a bit apprehensive. However, she eventually warms up and bonds with the boy, Martin, and his father Nicolas.

However, some of the other townsfolk are none too happy and believe in something completely different. Father Antonio, the local priest, believes that Martin’s abilities come from the Devil himself and begins a plan to get rid of him. When Grace tries to interfere with the belief that the abilities come from the mind, she is seen as a witch and is shunned by Father Antonio and the congregation. Can Grace convince Father Antonio that things aren’t as he sees, or will it be too late?

There have been interesting wars in motion pictures involving physical factions such as countries at war, civil wars, and many others. However, with this film, it takes a look at science vs. religion with the focus on a young boy with telepathic abilities. Co-writer and director Conor Allyn makes good use of the film’s locations in Guatemala as well as having a good story in line with some pretty good performances.

Amber Heard pulls off a pretty good performance as Grace, the psychologist who attempts to tap into the mind of the little boy Martin, who possesses skills of telekinesis and even is blind in one eye. While the townsfolk are quick to judge Martin because of his look and mannerisms, Grace sees something special in the boy, which leads to her bonding with the boy and forming a friendship. Kudos goes out to young Lorenzo McGovern Zaini, who is excellent in the role of Martin. If he decides to keep acting as an adult, judging from this, we could see a future star in the making.

Luca Calvini brings a sense of an over-the-top performance in the role of zealot Jesuit priest Father Antonio. Convinced Martin’s abilities are the work of the Devil, he goes through any means to shun him and even goes as far as wanting him dead. This is how intense this antagonist is. In an unforgettable scene, an attempt by Grace to calm things down leads to her getting a public whipping from Antonio until Nicolas interrupts and offers to help Grace home. Eduardo Noriega is great in the role of Nicolas as well, and thankfully, there doesn’t have to be a required relationship of love between Grace and Nicolas as they both only want to help Martin.

In the Fire is quite an interesting look at science vs. religion that brings a bit of a supernatural edge along with some great performances from Amber Heard, Eduardo Noriega, and a breakout performance by young Lorenzo McGovern Zaini.

WFG RATING: B+

Saban Films presents an Angel Oak Films production in association with Margate House Films and Iervolino and Lady Bacardi Entertainment. Director: Conor Allyn. Producers: Monika Bacardi, Andrea Iervolino, Alain Gillissen, Silvio Muraglia, and Pascal Borno. Writers: Conor Allyn, Pascal Borno, and Silvio Muraglia. Cinematography: Matt Bendo and Simone Moglié. Editing: Marco Perez.

Cast: Amber Heard, Eduardo Noriega, Lorenzo McGovern Zaini, Luca Calvini, Sophie Amber, Yari Gugliucci, Jorge Melgar, Ernesto Molina Samperio.

The film will be released in select theaters, On Demand, and Digital on October 13.