Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism

#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.

Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism is a fascinating film, It showcases disturbing suspense, one with a definite tone. The story is based on the the tragic events of a real life exorcism performed in a rural Australian community in the early 90's. Ron, (played by Dan Ewing) is a devout presbyterian, who believes his wife (played by Georgia Eyers) is showing signs of demonic possession. Slowly but surely the film ramps up the tension. The acting is fairly spot on with Georgia Eyers and Rosie Traynor personal standouts. It's genre blending approach to the subject matter is quite novel and kept me intrigued right up to the brutal climax.

"GODLESS - The Eastfield Exorcism" is a hauntingly horrific depiction of a real life exorcism. It's a bleak and brutal endurance test for audiences; but for those wiling to persevere, it will prove to be a powerful viewing experience.

A debut for director Nick Kozakis who is impressively adapt at world-building and tension. It's a grim, gritty and gripping story, a niche Australian filmmakers seam to relish in (Rover, The Boys and almost everything Justin Kurzel has made)

Solid ensemble performances with a standout display by Georgia Eyers as the central character "Lara"

I thought I was walking into a typical horror movie but the film quickly establishes itself more as a psychological drama; building a tone that something is boiling under the surface.

The film finds it's stride by the end of the first act and progressively applies the accelerator. We know where the films going, but it doesn't make the ending any less harrowing.

@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.

The film's premise makes you think you're getting into a typical studio horror film, however, Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism is surprisingly well-directed and written, following the based on a true premise of an Australian exorcism. Director Nick Kozakis showcases plenty of traditional visual and storytelling talent but isn't afraid to get Into the grit and nuance of moments, and the film benefits greatly from that approach. Its often uncompromising approach takes what might be a more standard spooky affair and turns it into one you won't soon forget. Complete with the punchiest sound design imaginable, some strong lead performances, and inventive camera work, Godless makes for quite an intense picture.