Documentary

Holy Hell

20161h 40m★ 7.0

DocumentaryDrama

An inside look at Buddhafield, a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic teacher in the 1980s that eventually imploded.

Cast

Will Allen

Director

AA

Amy Allen

Self

Cristala Allen

Self

Gina Allen

Self

WA

Will Allen

Self

Jennifer Baca

Self

Cast

Will Allen

Director

AA

Amy Allen

Self

Cristala Allen

Self

Gina Allen

Self

WA

Will Allen

Self

Jennifer Baca

Self

Alessandra Burenin

Self

Vera Cheiffo

Self

David Christopher

Self

Phillipe Coquet

Self

Radhia Gleis

Self

Julian Goldstein

Self

Jamie Simone Gomez

Self - Buddhafield cult leader

Greg Gorey

Self

Murti Hower

Self

Chris Johnston

Self

Danielle Lefemine

Self

Dimitrius Pulido

Self

Ronald Reagan

Self - U.S. President

Trailer

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Comments

10 Comments

Robin_Ramjan_vads.Nov 22, 2022

This movie of the beginning of something beautiful that turns in to something ugly, personifies so many cults, how they come to be, and how hard it is to try to free yourself from all that you've been taught. I want to say thank you, so much thank you, to Will Allen, and all the wonderful people who are in this film, for showing your hearts and souls and what you've been through. I cried throughout the film, and in the end I was bawling my heart out. Having been interested in cults and also having a short (a year only) stint in one myself, I've read so many books, and watched so many documentaries and movies and clips of ex-cult-members, this one was truly the best. To all of you, thank you from the depths of my heart. Marianne

eartghull❤Nov 22, 2022

I am giving it a 10 based on honesty. I think each of the disciples deserve their fate as they architected it based on their own hubris and arrogance of their own looks. If you want to know how to take advantage of a set of models or good looking people then this is definitely very instructional in how to do so (aka use your own hubris to exploit yourself). Kudos to Michel, what a superb act to convince arrogant morons to follow you as god and have coital relationship with you for >10 years. This only works in people influenced by LA culture who only have themselves to blame for their situation. Thank you Michel for dropping everyone's mind and showing them the way of the Gita. spoiler: All of the people who eventually complain and fall out should honestly evaluate why they stuck there for 22 years or more. Clearly you though that your 'club of good looking people" made you "special" and your need to fornicate with all the people around you allowed yourself to be abused (well deserved)

meriam alaouiNov 22, 2022

It's obvious that some of the people reviewing on here are defending the cult leader. If this is a real documentary, then we are dealing with a very sick individual regarding this 'leader'. You should watch this to become aware of the dangers of getting trapped within a movement like this. The documentary is well made. The filmmaker became close to the cult leader, so we are left with a lot of footage from within the group. A must watch. It is good to know that at least one more dangerous destructive narcissist has been found out. The way he manipulates people is despicable. Evil would be a good word to describe this guy. It seems that this guy is still duping and molesting followers right now. Be aware and beware.

user9846088845112Nov 22, 2022

This movie runs a bit long yet misses the investigative nature of documenting. No need to spend more than a few minutes on the ballet dancing, mascara wearing, self proclaimed leader... it's quite apparent to anyone that he is mentally ill. What drove these people to him? lack of self esteem, childhood issues, naivety or issues themselves?? this is never explored. With a title like Holy Hell one expects details of what the victims suffered, financial ruin or irrevocable harm, loss of family and friends... This is not explored either. What was the cost? its seem more of a vague stab in the dark at trying to tell a cautionary story but never quite getting off the ground. The ending is bizarre with a failed climax at a mild confrontation, are you being a good boy?? Strange considering allegations... I feel bad for people who easily fall pray to cults and scams but in the end one should know better! If it's too good to be true it probably is...

Pedro SebastiãoNov 22, 2022

In 1985, a film student graduate joins a Southern California cult of spiritually enlightened and very good looking young men and women. The group is called "Buddhafield" and is run by a muscular, charismatic ex-actor. This leader has several names; mostly, he is identified as Michel. The cinematographer is the narrator and director of this very documentary, Will Allen. As you might guess, hypnotic Michel provides group members with an otherwise unattainable link to God. After 22 years with Michel and the group, Mr. Allen leaves the group to obtain even greater enlightenment by producing this film. It is a fascinating look at this cult, its leader and their activities. We are fortunate Allen was allowed to capture so much and finally break free from the group. It ends with a look at Michel today and (if you see CNN's airing) even includes a final statement from the Godly leader... "Holy Hell" is most valuable due to Allen's surviving film and video footage. While it provides insight and is engaging throughout, the story is not satisfying in one important respect. We are told, but do not see the appeal of Michel. This man, slightly older than the average group member, is not as mysterious as he is obvious. "The Master" saunters around in a protruding, jock strapped-up Speedo. Michel works out, dances and sports carefully applied make-up. He's tanned, tightened and glistens. Michel positively screams warning signs. Very loudly. His connection to "Rosemary's Baby" (1968) startles, but his eventually exposed shocking secret comes as no big surprise. We assume Allen and his peers were susceptible people with severe emotional problems because Michel would send almost anyone else running for the hills. It's great they are free and good luck to them. ******* Holy Hell (1/25/2016) Will Allen ~ Michel Gomez, Will Allen, Dimitrius Pulido, David Christopher

Mahdi🤜🤛Nov 22, 2022

Wow! I loved it! I stumbled upon this on CNN, and started watching because of my love for documentaries, and interest in the bizarre, such as cults. My review is based on what I thought of the movie, and not the accuracy of what some other members of the cult think. First of all, it's hilarious, and I mean hilarious! The movie keeps moving never a dull moment. I had to google this cult when I completed the movie, because I thought it was a mockumentary. I was wrong. It really happened. Lastly, if you are currently in this cult, please get more footage so I don't have to join it to get my own. There is enough footage to judge for yourself whether or not you believe this is a true account, or whether wrong was done. Cult members always remind me of drug addicts, or drug users, they are there for a reason. Drug addicts will always tell you how bad drugs are and how it ruined their life. Drug users will tell you about the fun and crazy times they had, and why they occasionally use them. One is a positive experience, and the other a negative one, but for the same thing. This movie does a good job at conveying the differences in cult members opinions. The reviews I read discussed these issues, and no mention of humor. Trust me, this movie is absolutely hilarious.

@akojudeNov 22, 2022

"Holy Hell" is a documentary about a very small cult led by a man named Michel. The man who made the film happened to be the videographer for the group...and so he had a huge cache of footage that he could use to make this film. It's his personal journey as well as a history of the group during the years when he was a member. Using hypnotic techniques and a charming personality, Michel amassed a group of about 200 followers. However, over time, it became obvious that Michel was not quite the man he said he was and ultimately many within the group left...disillusioned and angry. I could say more but don't want to spoil the film. While this is a small cult, it is unusual because of all the video footage and that makes for a very compelling and interesting film. It's currently available streaming from Netflix and is well made and worth your time. UPDATE: I watched the film again. This time I found I got a bit more out of it and am updating my score to 9, as it's a GREAT general film about cults and would be great for families or friends struggling with losing people to these groups.

Chancelvie DjemissiNov 22, 2022

Documentaries tend to be talkie. They usually have a narration and talking heads giving information. Here's a documentary that follows the requisite. It's the story of a cult from West Hollywood. Big surprise you know what the dark secret is going to be from the get go. The film maker uses mostly video footage that does not blow up well for the big screen. It is hard to watch. The documentary is way too long with plenty of redundant talking heads telling basically the same story. The good news is the newest talking head footage is sharp and in focus. It is always good news when a documentary gets a theatrical release. Unfortunately this one will do nothing to get more into theaters. It is in very limited release and not worth seeking out. A CNN credit makes it likely for the cable platform in the near future.

عُـــــمــر الاوجليNov 22, 2022

In principal quite an interesting documentary, the problem is all of the victims of this scam are far too stupid to feel any sympathy for. This is a story of a group of entitled yuppies who spend 25 years worshipping a gay * star/ balet dancer/ hypnotherapist all the while being sexually and psychologically abused by him and paying him for the privilege. When they all finally figure out what's been going on, rather than report him, they let him go, on the understanding that he'll be a good boy and stop grooming and sexually assaulting people. Of course he goes somewhere else to continue his nefarious deeds. We get a nice "5 years later" graphic and they find the guy doing the same thing to another group of un suspecting morons. At this point you would think that the remainder of the story will be about his victims rallying together to expose him and bring him to justice and they do........ Nothing Cue to the credits where we are told how messed up all these people are now while this guy is still abusing people in Hawaii. Would give 0 stars if I could. Ps. If you enjoyed this and would like to learn more about my "definitely not a cult" spiritual group please send me £100 to recieve enlitenment.

Ansu JarjuNov 22, 2022

Holy Hell stands out from other documentaries about cults in that a primary member of the religion is the one telling the story. So it's a film presented from the inside instead of someone on the outside trying to pry his or her way into this world. So instead of just seeing how the church was founded, you follow the filmmakers journey in and inevitably out of the cult. So you understand the appeal of the church, the connection the filmmaker felt to other members, and you feel betrayed and hurt by the actions of the cult's founder and figurehead. It makes me sad to see others review this film and say that it's leading you on to feel a certain thing, or to hear the way other reviewers treat victims. The film isn't trying to tell you how to feel, it tells you how many of its members feel. It works best not just as a condemnation of the Buddhafield or even religion, but as a critique of blindly following any ideology or organization without objectively figuring out what that organization stands for.