When young history professor Russ is called upon by his sister to execute their late mother's estate, he is reunited with boyhood friend Mike, and with his father, the charismatic leader of a New Age cult.

Russ's aunt, who has been living in an asylum, tells him that his mother left a message hidden in her house.

Russ begins to believe preparations are underway for a mass sacrifice, and engages the attentions of a seductress in order to obtain information.

[3] Maitland McDonagh wrote, "it's a thoughtful and sometimes very creepy film that tackles big themes on a small budget and proves that in the right hands, ideas can trump special effects.

"[4] Steve Barton of Dread Central wrote, "Cthulhu is high on ambition and originality and the closest we've come to a true H. P. Lovecraft film.