An inside look at Buddhafield, a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic teacher in the 1980s that eventually imploded.An inside look at Buddhafield, a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic teacher in the 1980s that eventually imploded.An inside look at Buddhafield, a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic teacher in the 1980s that eventually imploded.
- Awards
- 4 nominations
- Self
- (as William Francesco Allen)
- Self - Buddhafield cult leader
- (archive footage)
- Self - U.S. President
- (archive footage)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDirector Will Allen joined the cult when he was 22, after he was forced to leave home when his mother discovered he was gay.
- Quotes
Chris Johnston: There's this social interplay that happens between highly codependent people and pathological narcissists. Who is going to give a person who needs constant adoration and attention, who is going to give that to them, ceaselessly? Somebody who relies on him as the source of their self-esteem. And they'll say, "You seem like a normal, rational, intelligent human being. How did this happen to you?"... It's what we do every time we come into a religion. We take on their beliefs as truth. You will do anything to defend that truth. You subjugate your best interests to the interests of the religion, the group, the corporation... And so, the better you feel, the more you get committed. And then, somebody can get you to do anything. I mean, I would have killed or died for him. It's so common, it's everywhere. Look around you, you've got a cult in your town, I almost guarantee you.
- Crazy creditsClosing song written and performed by _Cabot Budlong_ former member for 20 years. Abused, still surviving...
- ConnectionsFeatures Rosemary's Baby (1968)
- SoundtracksHooked on a Feeling
Written by Francis Zambon (as Mark James)
Performed by B.J. Thomas
Courtesy of Scepter Records
"Holy Hell" is a hellish and nightmarish documentary focusing on the cult known as the Buddhafield, initially a blissful and energetic community of people gathering together to learn and receive the wisdom of their master. This man had many names; and yet, no one seems to have known anything about him for the vast duration of their time spent under his instruction. As his demeanor and temper become increasingly dramatic and feverish; his appearance slowly shifting and morphing into something hideous; the enlightenment that was promised from the beginning seems to be gradually fading from the grasp of the enslaved acolytes.
I felt an overwhelming empathy for these people. They were lost. They were burdened by various desires and yearnings. They wanted profound answers to their far-reaching questions; unfortunately for these beautiful people, what they were given instead was a journey across immense stretches of land for nothing more than the satiation the narcissistic fancies and pipe dreams of a vile human being. Thankfully those featured in this documentary appear to be in a better place. I commend them, because I would never have survived what they had to endure for so many years. I wish you all the best.
- AndrewB686
- Jun 19, 2017
- How long is Holy Hell?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $18,051
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $9,238
- May 29, 2016
- Gross worldwide
- $18,051