Unraveling the Dark Side of Faith: a Dark Descent Into the Shadows of Spirituality and Fanaticism

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MOVIE REVIEW
Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism
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Genre: Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Nick Kozakis
Writer(s): Alexander Angliss-Wilson, Sarah Baker (screenplay editor,) Jason Buckley (screenplay editor,) Pablo Zubieta (development)
Cast: Georgia Eyers, Dan Ewing, Tim Pocock, Rosie Traynor, John Wood, Eliza Matengu, Ella Bourne, Sunny S. Walia, Carlia Capozza, Hugh Sexton
Where To Watch: world premiere on March 31 at the Overlook Film Festival. Available on VOD April 6th, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: GODLESS: THE EASTFIELD EXORCISM tells the story of a woman torn between science and faith. With pressure from her husband, she turns to religious extremists for help. She finds herself at the mercy of a ruthless exorcist, convinced he can purify her soul by subjecting her to unimaginable torment.

While exorcism films have captivated audiences since the “original” 1973 film, GODLESS brings a sense of fresh air to the genre by portraying a real-life scenario. The movie combines style and substance artfully, weaving a narrative culminating in a climax that will leave you unsure of your existence.

The film highlights some scarier aspects of performing an exorcism, especially without the know-how, allowing audiences to grasp the potential dangers of spiritual ceremonies conducted by religious radicals acting without proper oversight. The film's unapologetic depiction of the harm caused by such rituals powerfully challenges their supposed benefits.

Set in the late 90s, GODLESS: THE EASTFIELD EXORCISM unveils the reality that unsanctioned exorcisms continue to occur even today. The film depicts the protagonist's possession and offers a terrifying glimpse into the demonic forces that have seized her soul. Director Nick Kozakis and the writing team behind the film created a powerful narrative that will leave you in uncomfortable awe.

The movie is inspired by the story of Anneliese Michel, who was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy-induced psychosis and depression and experienced worsening symptoms despite psychiatric treatment. Her family believed she was possessed, leading to 67 exorcism rites performed in 1975. She died of malnutrition and dehydration in 1976, and her parents and two priests were convicted of negligent homicide. German bishops later retracted the claim of possession.

The film goes beyond traditional portrayals of possession by incorporating spirits and demonic manifestations, adding another dimension to the horror on screen. The movie is a group effort from a fantastic cast, solid directing, a great script, and a crew that came together to create this immersive world.

GODLESS attacks not only biblical demons but our inner demons as well. Showing the evil that humans naturally have within them takes a standard exorcism film to a different level. New exorcism films would do good to see what it takes to change the traditional story.

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[film courtesy of PAPER STREET PICTURES]