The Cleansing Hour (2019)

Another successful "exorcism" streamed online - or so it seems. Can the "exorcist", producer and their team bring the ratings up? Ratings skyrocket, when a real demon gets involved.

Director:

Damien LeVeck

Writers:

Damien LeVeck (screenplay by), Aaron Horwitz (screenplay by)

Stars:

Ryan Guzman, Kyle Gallner, Alix Angelis

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ryan Guzman	...	Max
Kyle Gallner	...	Drew
Alix Angelis	...	Lane
Chris Lew Kum Hoi	...	Chris
Daniel Hoffmann-Gill	...	Tommy
Emma Holzer	...	Riley
Joanna David	...	Schoolmarm
Ionut Grama	...	Humberto (as Ionut Cristian Grama)
Lidy Aurora Meza	...	Humberto's Family
Griselda Pizena Gafis	...	Humberto's Family
Jury Manuel Meza	...	Humberto's Family
Bogdan Farcas	...	Julio
Tara Karsian	...	Possessed Lane (voice)
Jynarra Brinson	...	Desiree
Ana Udroiu	...	Brenda

Storyline

Millennial entrepreneurs, Drew and Max, run a webcast that streams live exorcisms that are, in fact, elaborately staged hoaxes. But they get their comeuppance when today's actress becomes mysteriously possessed by a real demon that holds the crew hostage. To make matters worse-- the possessed victim is Drew's fiancée, Lane. In front of a rapidly-growing global audience, the demon subjects Max to a series of violent and humiliating challenges meant to punish him for his online charade. Meanwhile, in an effort to save the love of his life, Drew discovers that the demon's sinister motive is not only about revenge, but also to expose the dark secrets he, Max, and Lane have been hiding from one another. With only the show clock remaining, it's a matter of time before either the truth is revealed or the demon forces them to meet their maker.

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Plot Keywords:

demon | embarrassing male nudity | bare chested male | male objectification | male in towel | 

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Taglines:

The perfect internet hoax just went to hell

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Genres:

Horror

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The demon "Malphas" referenced in the movie is real in demon mythology. "Malphas" first appears in Johann Weirs Pseudomonarchia daemonum. Demonological sources describe him as a mighty Great President of Hell, with forty legions of demons under his command and is second in command under Satan. He appears as a raven, but if requested, will instead resemble a man with a hoarse voice. Malphas is said to build houses, high towers and strongholds, throw down the buildings of the enemies, destroy the enemies' desires or thoughts (and/or make them known to the conjurer) and all what they have done, give good familiars, and quickly bring artificers together from all places of the world. According to the writers, Malphas accepts willingly and kindly any sacrifice offered to him, but then he will deceive the conjurer.

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Connections

References The Mindy Project (2012)

User Reviews

Surprisingly Good Horror Film

Before watching this film, I prepared myself for the worst as I do with most films of this genre. That said, I actually was surprised by how thoughtful this film is. The actors do a good job selling the intelligently written script. The visual effects are decently done for its budget, and I appreciated the commentary this film made. It includes all the gore and mayhem people view these types of films for, but with the added benefit of social commentary that basically warns people to maintain their humanity, integrity and wits while on-line. The group-think or mob mentality is addressed as well as consequences for actions, motivation and words that people often use social media platforms for.

Bottom line, I recommend horror fans check this one out, because I truly believe it's an entertaining film that will also speak to people in ways they never would have thought possible from the supernatural horror genre. Kudos to the filmmakers, I look forward to more from them.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

3 January 2020 (Taiwan)

Also Known As:

The Cleansing Hour

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$82,216

Company Credits

Production Co:

Skubalon

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Aspect Ratio:

2.39:1