"Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism," a 2023 Australian film, takes viewers on a tense journey through the blurred lines between mental health and possession. The movie follows the gripping tale of a troubled young couple, Lara and Ron, as they grapple with the possibility of an exorcism to cure her disturbing behavior. With impactful scenes depicting Ron's desperation and the involvement of an unsanctioned exorcist named Daniel, the film delves into the darker aspects of faith and the human psyche.

The movie draws inspiration from the real-life case of Joan Vollmer, shedding light on the chilling events that unfolded over a four-day period, culminating in tragedy. The performances of the cast, including Georgia Eyers as Lara and Dan Ewing as Ron, effectively convey the emotional turmoil and internal struggle of the characters.

While "Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism" explores thought-provoking themes of religious fervor, mental health, and the consequences of blind faith, it falls short in certain aspects. The filmmakers have opted for a psychological approach rather than relying on traditional horror tropes like spinning heads and excessive gore. However, this approach may leave some viewers longing for more suspenseful and visually striking moments.

Directed by Nick Kozakis and penned by Alexander Angliss-Wilson and Sarah Baker, the film's strength lies in its willingness to tackle complex themes surrounding demonic possession and religious beliefs. While it may not satisfy those seeking traditional horror thrills, its thought-provoking narrative offers a unique perspective on the clash between the human mind and the supernatural.

Ughh this movie is so sad and frustrating. This isn't the GREATEST movie, but worth hanging in there as there are some shocking moments. Definitely not a horror, but it is horrifying. The end is absolutely appalling and when you find out the event leading up to her crisis (of faith? Mental crisis?) it makes it all the more heartbreaking. How did Lara end up with this loser? I need a prequel to find out how she settled for this douchebag zealot - total downgrade.

All of these characters belong in jail. It makes it even more disturbing that very similar events really happened and more than once.

Made in Victoria, Australia, Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism is about a young married couple named Lara (Georgia Eyers) and Ron (Dan Ewing). In some ways, you can see the way that she's acting -- nude dancing under the moon, violent behavior and mood swings -- as a mental health issue. Or maybe she's possessed. That's the way her husband is leaning and he's nearly begging Dr. Walsh (Eliza Matengu) to sign off on an exorcism. He's so devoted to getting one, he even gets an unsanctioned exorcist and that's when things go off the rails.

The man who Ron gets to exorcise his wife is Daniel (Tim Pocock). He tells Ron not to give his wife any food or drink and not to believe anything she tells him, because she's no longer his wife. She's of the Devil. Then they invite members of his church to scream at Lara and attempt to physically beat the demon out of her.

This movie is based on the real case of Joan Vollmer, a Victoria woman whose husband Ralph claimed would take on the shape of animals and act like a wanton woman, as well as speaking in demonic voices. Over a four-day period, assisted by a neighbor and phone instructions from his pastor, she was tied to a chair and prayed over while being denied food and water. Other church members soon visited and held her down while her eyes were kept open to witness the prayers. After days of slapping Joan in the face, two demons remained. Matthew Nuske joined the group and he led the group in destroying Joan's greenhouse, all of her flower beds and wrapping the house seven times in clear wrap. Then, he smashed Joan's head into walls before having five people sit on her body for hours, crushing her internal organs and giving her a heart attack. The pastor came at this point, as a message from God told him that he could just lay hands on the dead Joan and bring. Her back to life. Two days later, she was still dead.

Neighbor Leanne Reichenbach got four months for manslaughter and false imprisonment. Church member David Klingner received three months, exorcist Matthew Nuske was found guilty of false imprisonment and received a suspended sentence and Ralph Vollmer was convicted of false imprisonment and reckless injury. He served no jail time, moved to Queensland and remarried.

Not only could this movie happen, it already has.

Directed by Nick Kozakis and written by Alexander Angliss-Wilson and Sarah Baker, this isn't the movie for you if you're looking for stuttery editing, herky jerky mannerisms and spinning heads. This is a more psychological exploration of how demonic man and religious belief can be.