Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism ★★★

AUSTRALIAN horror/drama Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism is somewhat unique.

I’ll tell you why later because that’s a spoiler for this recently-released debut film from director Nick Kozakis.

The story is loosely based on actual events that occurred in the Victorian country town of Antwerp in 1993.

Georgia Eyers and Dan Ewing play husband and wife Lara and Ron Levonde.

Lara is experiencing blackouts and strange visions, the worst of which leave her gyrating naked in their backyard or screaming in horror.

Dan, a devout Catholic, has become convinced that traditional doctors and psychiatrists cannot help his wife and turns to an exorcist, sourced through their local church.

Lara is compliant at this stage, completely confused by what is happening to her and willing to try anything.

But she starts to fear the fire and brimstone tactics, including physical assault, employed by amateur exorcist Daniel, played well by Tim Pocock.

The film becomes a portrait of Dan’s increasing doubt in his own faith and Daniel.

Despite its limited budget and horror aspects – there are a few good jump scares in the depiction of Lara’s visions – this is a well-presented and interesting drama bolstered by good central performances.

****SPOILER ALERT*****

Just in case you’re thinking horror movies about exorcisms aren’t for you, there are a couple of waivers here.

This is more of a drama about an attempted exorcism and the dangers that can be involved in the application of blind faith.

Watched on Shudder.