THE CLEANSE (2016)

Written & Directed By: Bobby Miller 
Cinematography: Michael Fimognari 
Editor: Josh Crockett 


Cast: Johnny Gaelecki, Anna Friel, Angelica Huston, Oliver Platt, Kyle Gallner, Diana Bang, Kevin J O’Connor, Loretta Walsh 


A heartbroken man attends a spiritual retreat to cleanse himself and fix his broken life. There he meets a fellow lost soul, and together they discover that "the cleanse" releases more than everyday toxins...a lot more.

This film is slightly disappointing. As it doesn’t live up to it’s promise. Kind of taking an easy way out. Which is ironic as that is what the characters are trying to stop doing.

The film has a good premise as it builds then kind of abandons what seems like it initial intentions. As it seems to neglect it refuse to go any further.

It lacks any real scares and skimps out exactly on explanation. Which could work of at least the film was more exciting or captivating. Unfortunately it ends up feeling more like a science fiction tale. Almost an extended THE OUTER LIMITS episode. Essentially the moves has barely any violence.

The film tries to be a body horror type film or seems like it is headed that way. It starts off well but as soon as we get to the middle it just seems to stay in that level.

The film gives off warning signs early as far as that the characters should have known better.

At first the movie keeps you on the edge, but soon it starts level and never offers anything new or surprising. Instead it just keeps going offering some answers. Yet it feels like nothing happens.

Once it reaches the climax. The film Just ends abruptly. (Like some bad dates I am sure.) leaving the audience to feel short changed. So that again it feels more like an episode more than a film. As there isn’t much that the film ventures into. Rather it keeps things simple until it wants to pull out some tricks.

The film is sterile at first, but surprisingly has a bunch of humor. which also seems to go as soon as they reach the lodge in the second act.

The film has a small cast and a few locations. Maybe it’s the audience responsibility by or hoping for too much. Which shows the good will the film has the audience have for it.

Which makes it fitting to have watched it on Hulu.

GRADE: C