Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism

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.

So I watched this last night and it has been stuck in my head pretty much all day. If you don't know this is inspired by a true story. It's also not a horror film! I hate that this is marked as a horror film. I was disturbed and very much sad by the end of the film. This is a perfect example of when a radical religion goes to far. I say radical because there are different types of Christianity. I was raised in a Southern Baptist Church and there is no way anyone would have condoned or thought that this was okay in the way this was handled. The sad part is I looked up and read the true story which IMO was far worse. I truly felt for Lara. Trauma is very misunderstood. It can cause worse mental illness if left untreated. I feel the secret which is unveiled closer to the end of the film was much more gutwrenching than I ever saw coming. I saw where the film was going once it got closer to the end and I didn't want too. From a technical aspect the film is stunning. The director does a beautiful job building up tension, and immediately sets up a story and lets you feel the dread* . The acting is wonderful. You feel for Lara, your frustrated with Ron as he makes decisions for his wife and you almost hate him but know he's just frustrated. Pretty much anyone from "The Church" ( if that's what you can even call this religious group) you immediately know something is quite off about all of them. The only happiness that is shown in this entire film is during the flashback to what happened that caused all this mess. During these scenes I felt deeply for Laura again because you can see the happiness in her life and how fast in a glimpse of a moment it's all taken away.

For anyone religious I encourage you to see this.

For anyone who likes true crime I encourage you to see it. It will make you think!

@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.

"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.

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.