Welcome to Knockout Horror and to another addition to our Horror on Tubi feature. Today we will be reviewing a movie that is a religious horror with a bit of a difference – Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism. A movie that appears to be quite new and advertises itself as a Tubi Original.
This movies comes to us from the land down under so you know that it will be one of a few things. Witty and hilarious or utterly grim and horrendously depressing. Spoiler alert: It is the latter. Let’s go! We’ve explained the ending to this one so if you need answers, as well as insight into the real life case that inspired the movie, click the link – Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism Ending Explained.
Possession Horror With a Sickening Twist
Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism follows the story of Lara and her husband Ron. After losing her young child in tragic circumstances. Lara has been dealing with, what appears to be, Schizoaffective disorder. She has been suffering bouts of mania and experiencing paranoid delusions. Wanting to further engage with medical treatment, Lara is discouraged by her husband who believes her symptoms are something altogether more unholy. Something that will require a radical and dangerous solution.
Godless is based on the tragic case of Victoria woman Joan Vollmer. Not to be confused with the American Joan Vollmer. Who was, unfortunately, killed by her husband when he drunkenly attempted to shoot an apple off of her head.
In this case, Vollmer’s husband became convinced that his wife was possessed. Her dancing, bad language and somewhat bizarre behaviour, apparently being the result of infestation by 10 demons. I suggest not reading about the case if you wish to avoid spoilers regarding this movie. Once the movie has wrapped up, however, you should definitely take a look into it. It makes for upsetting reading. Suffice to say, Godless plays out as a depiction of a true story, complete with opening and closing statements regarding the characters. Keep in mind, names, setting, time period, and some of the facts have all been changed but the story, including the harrowing ending, is grounded in reality.
Less Horror, More Horrifying
Before watching this movie, you should keep in mind that it is a story about a crime rather than a story about possession. With this being said, while the majority of Possession horror movies, and movies featuring exorcism, trend towards fantasy horror. Godless does not, keeping its feet planted firmly on the ground. This means that fans of horror may find the movie a little lacking.
This is far more of a crime movie than anything else and it consistently plays out that way. There is very little time given to the suggestion that this is anything other than a horrible act committed by corrupted people. Still, it is incredibly affecting and powerful. Some times, the reality of a situation can be far more impactful than any monster or creature design could hope to be. Still, if you are expecting an outback version of The Exorcist, you will likely be disappointed. That’s not at all what this movie is going for. Godless is far closer to Australian crime horror like Snowtown and Hounds of Love.
That doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything for fans of horror to grab onto here. The events that play out are truly disturbing. Daniel makes for a maniacal and unsettling antagonist, all the more sinister for his righteous and holier than thou attitude. Its difficult to not feel unnerved when the movie reveals its true path. The troubling way the people involved react only adds to the terror. Godless is lacking in horror thrills but it is far from lacking when it comes to the horrifying reality of the situation.
Uncompromising and Affecting
Godless really pulls no punches when it comes to its depiction of the events at hand. From the opening scenes of Lara dancing naked in the garden right through to Lara’s memories of the traumatic moments leading up to her baby’s death. Its pretty clear that director Nick Kozakis does not intend to sugar coat a single facet of this story. Some of the imagery is shocking and likely to upset certain viewers, it all feels very necessary, though. Almost as if it is crucial to the plot, even if it is not pleasant to see.
Kozakis does an impressive job of taking us into the mind of Lara. Illustrating the turmoil she is going through as well as her frustrations at the reactions of the people around her. I am rather impressed at the writing here, as well. References to psychiatric disorders and medications are accurate. Reflecting some genuine knowledge or research into the subject itself. This is a movie that feels very close to the brilliant Saint Maud when it comes to mental illness, conveying the difficulties and misunderstandings that come along with these disorders well.
A Few Issues
There are a few minor issues here and there but nothing that detracts too greatly from the movie itself. Continuity can be a bit messy, the timeline jumps around a little with no indication. We could have used a few notes to indicate the time that certain events were taking place. Oddly enough, the final part of the movie does feature a reference note to the day events are taking place. Something that feels a bit odd given the fact that it was omitted previously.
A side story with a psychiatrist and a police officer feels a bit tacked on. Serving as little more than a way to tie things up at the end. There’s a bit of overacting from some of the religious congregation. The sound production is some of the most annoying I have ever heard, as well. Almost whisper like voices suddenly give way to booming music and sound effects. It makes for a genuinely horrible watch at times.
I wasn’t overly enamoured with the way Godless sometimes leans into elements of possession. Occasionally drifting away from reality and muddying the waters on whether or not Lara’s husband’s motivation were just. There is no real room for ambiguity here. Although schizophrenic episodes have been the cause of many “possession” accusations in the past. I am fairly sure it doesn’t occur in quite the way it is depicted here. Schizophrenic episodes are drawn out, not two minute outbursts in the back of cars.
Generally Great Acting
Acting is, generally, great throughout. Special mention has to go to Georgia Eyers as Lara. She does a tremendous job, managing to convey a range of emotion through simple means. Taking us deep into the world of the character’s struggle in an entirely believable way. It’s also worth me pointing out. Eyers is one of the only actors who actually manages to capture that psychotropic medication look. The very specific heavy eyes you get when you start taking Mood Stabilisers and Anti-psychotics. Nice work!
Tim Pocock stands out for just how well he portrays the sinister Daniel. His character can feel a little bit like a comic book villain at times but Pocock does a great job of seeming utterly sinister and generally unsettling. The rest of the cast is rather unremarkable. Dan Ewing is fine as Lara’s husband. Despite how annoying his character is. I would have liked to have seen more of Eliza Matengu as Dr. Walsh. Her role is intriguing but rather small. Everyone else does an okay job in rather limited roles.
Direction is fine. There are some continuity issues and a few scenes thrown in deliberately to shock but this is a well made movie. Cinematography stands out, as well, for some truly brilliant shots. This is a movie that punches above its weight but we all expect that from Aussie horror, right?
Should You Watch Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism?
I was not expecting this at all; I mean, let’s be real, this is a Tubi Original with a terrible name and a bad cover. I was preparing myself for crappy looking CG demons, green tinted women floating above beds and heads spinning wildly. What I actually got was a fantastic crime based horror movie that made me think. Unsettling, haunting and genuinely affecting. Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism is a movie that will stay with you and is definitely worth watching. If you are expecting a traditional Possession Horror Movie. You may be a little disappointed, otherwise, you should definitely check it out.
