The Cleansing Hour (SHUDDER) | A DVD Review

The Cleansing hour is an overflowing fondue cheese fountain sprinkled with a dash of tele-evangelical holy water that is anything, but pure ...

Taking on the role of a televised social media exorcism group, Father Max Tyler and his accomplices aim to capitalize on followers for that enigmatic social media blue check mark. Selling false religion, and merch solely for the clicks and clout. It isn't until Max's best buddy's girl joins the casting as the faux-demon possessed though that he and his crew finds out how very real demon possession is. In the battle of not-so-good versus evil that follows the unlucky hosts not only find themselves confessing their sins, but also frantically soul searching to find the name of the demon that has quite literally taken advantage of the mockery, and used the televised broadcast as a means to test their faith. 

For a full broadcast's length Max, and his associates are put through the ringer while being made to believe that if they find the demon's name, and perform the right rites they can save the possessed girlfriend, and themselves. Everything goes tits up though, and despite their efforts the Lord of Lies does what he does best. Ultimately turning the world into a bloodbath via the social media connection through his deceit. 

The film, in all it's glory, is an analogy of the cost of clout. A metaphor of seeking fame, and fortune despite what damage it does to those around you. It is also, in it's presentation, a film about the modern church and how easily what's supposed to be holy, honest, and pure can be turned to evil and aid in the undoing of a person or persons. Even further still it's about the connection that disconnects one from reality, and truth. A bed of lies leading to one miserable conclusion where everyone involved loses out.

The Verdict ...

In the first 15 minutes of the film the director forcefully meets the "Diversity Quota" including the addition of people of color, and a transgender actor. Not adding anything of value to the film through those actor's, and actress's performance. When it comes to special effects the film is 99.9% cheese, and a lowly .1% non-cheese. Including poorly crafted CG effects, and make-up that looked about as fake as Father Max himself. In regards to the acting the cast, for the most part, are B-List nobodies. Only the actor playing Max, and his best buddy as well as the actress who plays the possessed girlfriend were able to save the film, and carry it through to the end. In fact it is that trinity of characters that salvages what would have otherwise been an absolute rubbish film. With the given story, and a bigger budget I imagine 'The cleansing Hour' could have been much better, but as it is it remains a mediocre rent-a-flick selection. I generously, and I stress GENEROUSLY give the film ...

"3 out of 5 🎃"