Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism (2023)
After having horrific visions, Lara is forced by her husband to seek treatment from a congregation of zealots who try to save her soul by putting an innocent woman through hell.
Available for free on Tubi
Fan Review: Steeped in unsettling ambiguity, the 2023 Australian film “Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism” plunges audiences into a harrowing exploration of the fragile boundary separating psychological distress and demonic influence. The narrative grips as it traces the ordeal of Lara and Ron, a young couple haunted by Lara’s increasingly disturbing behavior and the desperate consideration of exorcism as a cure. Driven by Ron’s escalating desperation, the film introduces Daniel, an exorcist operating outside the Church’s sanction, and ventures into the shadowy intersections of faith and the human mind.
Drawing a chilling parallel to the real-life tragedy of Joan Vollmer, “Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism” hints at the harrowing four-day events that led to a devastating outcome. Georgia Eyers’ portrayal of Lara and Dan Ewing’s depiction of Ron powerfully convey the characters’ inner torment and emotional disintegration.
While the film commendably grapples with profound themes of religious zealotry, mental well-being, and the perilous consequences of unwavering belief, it doesn’t fully deliver on all fronts. Eschewing conventional horror elements like overt gore and supernatural theatrics, directors Nick Kozakis and writers Alexander Angliss-Wilson and Sarah Baker lean towards a more psychological interpretation. This deliberate choice, however, might leave viewers anticipating more palpable suspense and visually arresting sequences somewhat wanting.
Ultimately, “Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism” distinguishes itself by its bold engagement with the intricate relationship between demonic possession and religious conviction. Though it may not cater to those seeking traditional horror thrills, its introspective narrative provides a distinctive lens through which to examine the conflict between the rational mind and the supernatural realm.