Holy Hell

A wild cult story with relevant interviews that provide and in depth look at 'the master' and his descent into madness. Great documentary style that abounded in first person accounts and videos.

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

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.

I don't review movies here BUT I read the extremely negative reviews and was curious. All were by new members with this being either their only review or maybe one or two additional ones done soon after to legitimize their reviewing credentials. Obvious plants by the still faithful. Sadly they are still out there.

Their reviews did not have the result intended. They piqued my curiosity and I sought out this film. If you are fascinated by cults or a fan of documentaries seek this film out. It's a rare thing to have this much inside footage of a cult leader and his followers in action. To outsiders the machinations of this vain Svengali seem transparent and obvious. So vain that he was the one who had all of this footage shot. Meeting the members you gain insight, sympathy and understanding as to how and why seemingly intelligent, aware individuals can be swept up by someone and something like this.

The film is well constructed, clear, emotional and does have a point of view. That point of view is what gives this film it's fire and passion. It's made by ex cult members and boy are they angry. It doesn't pretend to be a cold, objective view on what went on there and I think it is better for it. Imagine a film about Scientology made by angry ex-members or a film about the Manson family made by a disillusioned, embarrassed, remorseful ex-member. Oh the truths we'd learn!

My only complaint is that I wanted a cathartic confrontation with the cult leader at the end. There is a confrontation but it seems muted and sad rather than explosive and angry.

See this well made documentary if you can. It's an eight but I'm giving it a ten to counterbalance those idiotic one star reviews.

A unique view inside the makings of a cult. It's incredible that the director was able 25 years of brainwashing. Must watch for anyone even remotely interested in spirituality. There are a lot of con-artists and manipulators out there, so it's always good to be aware of red flags and listen to your intuition.

Moral of the story: At the end of the day all the answers are within. You are your own guru. Never idolize or worship another human being, especially if he calls himself your "master".