With tons of streaming platforms available to artist, anyone who ever wanted to work in entertainment now has the opportunity to stream their dreams. However, the saturation of the media market has every dreamer doing everything and anything to stand out from the crowd. Such is the plot of the fantastic possession film, “The Cleansing Hour.” Shows featuring demons and the devil are amongst the most viewed and popular films, television shows, and documentaries. Playing on this popularity, writer/director Damien LeVeck brings the horror nation an original and perfectly paced piece of possession pop-culture.
Best friends since elementary Catholic school, Max and Drew produce a very popular live streaming show, The Cleansing Hour, which brings viewers real time exorcisms performed by Max’s fictional priest character, “Father Max.” With stunning special effects, a professional crew, and Max’s good looks and above average acting chops, the show has rapidly become very popular worldwide. Wanting to break into more mainstream numbers, Drew, with the encouragement of his fiancée Lane, secretly consult to possibly move the show toward other supernatural events. Before they consult with Max one last time, the crew prepare for one last big show. Soon the entire cast realize that if you bang on hell’s door enough time, something will answer. Lane, stepping in for a no-show performer, becomes actually possessed by an evil entity with an agenda. Max and Drew have their faith and friendship tested by the demonic force. The duo must use their knowledge of the dark crafts to battle the demon, try and save Lane’s soul, as the body count and ratings pile up around them.
Coming up with an original concept for a film involving possessions is one great feat, add in the overdone concept of faux reality shows is an all together daunting task to tackle. However, writers Damien LeVeck and Aaron Horwitz deliver the delicious demon goods. “The Cleansing Hour” is smart, funny, witty, and at times terrifying. Lead actors Ryan Guzman and Kyle Gallner give terrific performances, both show deep range by switching from comedic styles to dramatic with ease, complimenting the physical requirements for their roles. The special effects are top notch, which is essential to any possession production. Laveck’s quick paced shooting style along with a great script keeps the film flowing at breakneck speed. The viewer will be captivated along with the fake show’s audience as everyone cheers on their favorite demon slayer while attempting to figure out the possessed sinister plan. The only disappointment is that this film was not granted the theatrical release it deserved, “The Cleansing Hour” is best watched with a group, much like the viewers of the show and would have been a great ride for theatre goers. Horror-Nation fans can catch this stunning supernatural film on Shudder or pick up a physical copy at most major retailers.
Scream Score: 9/10
(Spoiler Alert. Director Laveck based this film on a short by the same name which is both free on YouTube and as part of the DVD extras. Please save viewing for the short for after you have viewed the feature, as the short will reveal certain pertinent plot points.)