Holy Hell (2016)

An inside look at a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic teacher in the 1980s that eventually imploded.

Director:

Will Allen

Stars:

Will Allen, Dimitrius Pulido, Phillipe Coquet

4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Amy Allen	...	Herself
Cristala Allen	...	Herself
Gina Allen	...	Herself
Will Allen	...	Himself (as William Francesco Allen)
Jennifer Baca	...	Herself
Alessandra Burenin	...	Herself
Vera Cheiffo	...	Herself
David Christopher	...	Himself
Phillipe Coquet	...	Himself
Radhia Gleis	...	Herself
Julian Goldstein	...	Himself
Michel Gomez	...	Himself
Greg Gorey	...	Himself
Murti Hower	...	Himself
Chris Johnston	...	Himself

Storyline

An inside look at a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic teacher in the 1980s that eventually imploded.

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Plot Keywords:

deception | hairy chest | cult | craziness | delusion | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 May 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Kulten fra Californien

Filming Locations:

Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,730, 3 June 2016, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$16,905, 5 June 2016

Company Credits

Production Co:

WRA Productions, Very Special Projects, Whitewater Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD

Did You Know?

Trivia

At the very beginning of the documentary, as Will Allen narrates about his younger life and wanting to know all things spiritual, a stack of books is shown. The book on top is titled "A Handbook of Concepts for Living" and it was published in 1981, by Campus Crusade for Christ International, an evangelical Christian ministry.

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Quotes

Chris Johnston: There's this social interplay that happens between highly codependent people and pathological narcissists. Who is going to give a person who needs constant adoration and attention, who is going to give that to them, ceaselessly? Somebody who relies on him as the source of their self-esteem. And they'll say, "You seem like a normal, rational, intelligent human being. How did this happen to you?"... It's what we do every time we come into a religion. We take on their beliefs as truth. You will do...

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Crazy Credits

Closing song written and performed by _Cabot Budlong_ former member for 20 years. Abused, still surviving...

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Connections

References The Six Million Dollar Man (1974)

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Soundtracks

Alive
Written by Cabot Budlong
Performed by Cabot Budlong, Jody Lazslo & Casey Pansari

User Reviews

Essential Viewing for all Seekers

Excellent documentary that gives a first hand look into the power of social influence in a group dynamic. This film is a study of a teacher who has abused his power and uses his social influence to manipulate and control the members of the cult. It's equally parts disturbing and inspiring as the cult members seek the truth and expose the teacher to gain their back their own freedom of mind.

If you are interested in how cults operate from an insider's perspective, this film is invaluable. A must see for all everyone as the lessons here run deep and the journey of the members is both moving and profound.