Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism

"Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism," a 2023 Australian film, takes viewers on a tense journey through the blurred lines between mental health and possession. The movie follows the gripping tale of a troubled young couple, Lara and Ron, as they grapple with the possibility of an exorcism to cure her disturbing behavior. With impactful scenes depicting Ron's desperation and the involvement of an unsanctioned exorcist named Daniel, the film delves into the darker aspects of faith and the human psyche.

The movie draws inspiration from the real-life case of Joan Vollmer, shedding light on the chilling events that unfolded over a four-day period, culminating in tragedy. The performances of the cast, including Georgia Eyers as Lara and Dan Ewing as Ron, effectively convey the emotional turmoil and internal struggle of the characters.

While "Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism" explores thought-provoking themes of religious fervor, mental health, and the consequences of blind faith, it falls short in certain aspects. The filmmakers have opted for a psychological approach rather than relying on traditional horror tropes like spinning heads and excessive gore. However, this approach may leave some viewers longing for more suspenseful and visually striking moments.

Directed by Nick Kozakis and penned by Alexander Angliss-Wilson and Sarah Baker, the film's strength lies in its willingness to tackle complex themes surrounding demonic possession and religious beliefs. While it may not satisfy those seeking traditional horror thrills, its thought-provoking narrative offers a unique perspective on the clash between the human mind and the supernatural.

#OVERLOOK23 This isn't an Exorcism movie...Not really.

All the trappings are there; a poor young female afflicted, cult like religious members, demonic imagery and of-course the exorcist themself. However, the film follows a narrative different from what we have come to expect from a studio style horror.

It's expectingly dark, brooding and horrific; But in director Nick Kozakis's hands, he has taken what might seem like a familiar tale and made it nuanced and gripping. It's more akin to a gritty drama from someone like fellow Australian Justin Kurzel (Nitram) - Proving itself more drama than a b-grade horror (like the title may suggest)

Aided by an impressive performance by actress Georgia Eyers who manages to convey so much with her eyes even when she's not talking. Cinematographer Carl Allison pulls off beguiling imagery; his use of shadow, light and dark does so much to convey a sense of foreboding and tension.

This is the most beautiful Exorcism movie you've ever seen-even if it's not really an 'exorcism movie' at all.

@OverlookFilmFestival (Encore screening)

One of the hurdles that horror films need to clear is is keeping the viewer engaged when it's not "fright time" . That bar proves insurmountably high in "Godless," a confident if unpersuasive story about an exorcism sought out by a husband for his wife after she exhibits strange behavior.

Director Kozakis knows his way around visual language carefully constructing its confined spaces to create a sense of unease that shifts into stifling claustrophobia as the film descends into the madness of the situation.

Standout performances by lead Georgia Eyers and Dan Ewing who showcases a noteworthy portrayal of a quintessential flawed and toxic husband.

I'm sure this will not appeal to all due to its graphic nature but I found it thoroughly engaging and quite a tense experience.

*Warning: may leave you a little distraught and angry.

Ughh this movie is so sad and frustrating. This isn't the GREATEST movie, but worth hanging in there as there are some shocking moments. Definitely not a horror, but it is horrifying. The end is absolutely appalling and when you find out the event leading up to her crisis (of faith? Mental crisis?) it makes it all the more heartbreaking. How did Lara end up with this loser? I need a prequel to find out how she settled for this douchebag zealot - total downgrade.

All of these characters belong in jail. It makes it even more disturbing that very similar events really happened and more than once.

I wanted to like this so much, it started off great but then after about 30 min it got annoying especially because 90 percent of the film takes place during the daytime which is NOT SCARY - somebody tell the director that.

I know they were trying to NOT be full Hollywood but this is a failure as they DID try and sell the film as a supernatural horror - just see the poster and the trailer.

The cinematography ois great, the color grade, the production design, music, vfx and loactions are all fantastic.

The ensemble supporting actors are good, but Dan Ewing is Not a strong actor and the guy playing the exorcist priest so young and inexperienced its not plausible to be a Vatican approved exorcist. The actor plays him arrogant and pompous, so you dislike him as a character.

At one point no one is watching the girl and she gets away and there are like 20 people in the house - c'mon suspension of disbelief?

I wanted to like this m but it didn't MORE, not so much Hollywood but even a true story needs amping.

This didn't evoke any emotions from me, not fear or anxiety, or keeping me on the edge of my seat, its forgettable and not executed. Correctly.

I really wanted to like this but the screenplay was obviously not written well.