Holy Hell (2016)

An inside look at Buddhafield, 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	...	Self
Cristala Allen	...	Self
Gina Allen	...	Self
Will Allen	...	Self (as William Francesco Allen)
Jennifer Baca	...	Self
Alessandra Burenin	...	Self
Vera Cheiffo	...	Self
David Christopher	...	Self
Phillipe Coquet	...	Self
Radhia Gleis	...	Self
Julian Goldstein	...	Self
Jamie Simone Gomez	...	Michel / Andreas / Reyji - Buddhafield cult leader (archive footage)
Greg Gorey	...	Self
Murti Hower	...	Self
Chris Johnston	...	Self

Storyline

An inside look at Buddhafield, 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 | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Will Allen joined the cult when he was 22, after he was forced to leave home when his mother discovered he was gay.

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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

Hooked on a Feeling
Written by Francis Zambon (as Mark James)
Performed by B.J. Thomas
Courtesy of Scepter Records

User Reviews

Post Hippy

Holy Hell is a documentary made and produced by Will Allen, focusing on the "Buddhafield" cult in Hollywood, and his experiences of being a member of the Buddhafield for 22 years. The film school graduate compiles a plethora of funny, serious, and chilling shots from his time in the cult. It follows the members of the cult, and their leader, who was called "Michel" for most of the film. The film uncovers the secrets and stories of the members, horrified from their past in the cult and its leader.

The film opens up with Mr. Allen speaking about his childhood, and his mother not accepting his homosexuality. It then jumps to footage he took from the beginning of the cult, with members dancing and floating in a river. I was confused on this quick transition, because it clashed with the topic of his homosexuality or his mother. The clips of the dancing post-hippies in the beginning of the film was very intriguing, and was the reason I continued with this documentary. He shows more images and videos of Michel, the leader of this group, and the clips immediately grab my attention. The narration and images of the exotic and eclectic leader in the beginning of the film quickly foreshadowed the secrets uncovered later in the film. His persona was god-like, prancing in his speedo and polarized sunglasses, with his followers kissing his ankles, literally.

The personal shots given by Allen, from his small 80's camera, are invigorating and interesting. The footage invites viewers to picture themselves inside the cult, and what it was like through their daily routines. The film cultivates a hippy-ish vibe and creates a feeling of freedom

As Will shows past members, and their recorded interviews, the pain in their eyes stands out. They become scared and upset when they begin to reminisce and talk about their past in the Buddhafield. The members share similar stories throughout the documentary, insuring the validity of the information given by the members. Topics such as sex, abortion, drugs, and abuse begin to stir, and we see the true colors of Michel. Other 'serene groups' begin to be shut down around California, so Michel decides it's time to pack up and move to Texas. His devoted followers, of course, follow him. We see how the group gets accustomed to their new house and environment. We also see how Michel, who is now Andreas, moves from a spiritual leader to a controlling narcissist.

This film jerks emotions, and could dig deeply into viewers' similar past experiences. We can feel Allen's pain listening and watching the footage from the last few years of the Buddhafield. This film was enjoyable and informative. It showed emotions and memories that are rarely touched, and made me, as a viewer, feel emotional along with the interviewees. I recommend this film for an audience who enjoys learning about cults and their practices, or just simply because it's an aesthetically pleasing, emotional film.

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:

$9,238, 29 May 2016

Gross USA:

$18,051

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$18,051

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