Shadow of God, on Shudder

Admittedly, this demonic horror movie knows its John Milton. The filmmakers are also probably familiar with the so-called “New Atheists.” While most possession horror films try to scare viewers back to the Church, this one tries to do something very different. It still has sympathy for the Church and its exorcists, but not necessarily its beliefs, even though many celestial and demonic elements sure seem to be born out in Michael Peterson’s Shadow of God, which premieres today on Shudder.

Father Mason Harper dispatches yet another demon in the prologue, but his exorcism comes at a great cost. His companion priest was killed by the unclean entity—one of six exorcising priests murdered that night. Something is afoot, but Harper must return to his provincial Canadian hometown for family business. Unfortunately, home has never been a restful place for him.

As a boy, Harper barely survived his father’s doomsday cult, thanks in part to the intercession of his platonic (by his choice, not hers) friend, Tanis Green. He took refuge in the Church, letting his own experience with evil fuel his battles against demons. Harper saw his father Shaun die when Green and the Sheriff saved him from the “purification” ritual. Therefore, he is quite shocked to see the old man up and walking around. Given his line of work, Father Harper logically concludes an exorcism is in order, but the old man insists that will only make matters worse.

Initially, Peterson’s slow-build is highly unnerving and very effective. Mark O’Brien and Jacqueline Byers have terrific rapport, as the Father and Green, bringing to life a complex and largely original relationship. They are forced to talk about things like Fathe Harper’s faith in a refreshingly direct and honest way. Peterson also evokes a powerful atmosphere suggesting something profoundly wrong threatens both characters.

However, once we get an inkling of what it might be, the film completely derails. Presumably, screenwriter Tim Cairo wants to make a statement about all the wickedness done in the name of Christianity, or perhaps decry a Heavenly Father who supposedly allows such evil to plague his earthly cration. Regardless, there is also a pronounced post-structuralist, militantly materialist impulse to literally demonize, and perhaps even kill the G*d that Father Harper so faithfully worships.

If you are wondering if Shadow of God truly “goes there,” the answer is probably yes. It is a disturbing and nihilistic place to visit. It also happens to be an excuse for some laughably bad special effects. Honestly, the last ten minutes of this film are truly a sin, regardless of the content.

It is also a sin to waste the great work of O’Brien and Byers. It feels like they are really building towards something, but then Peterson and Cairo rudely pull the rug out from under them. In the process, they alienate the core demographic for demonic possession horror: Catholics raised on William Peter Blatty. Not recommended, Shadow of God starts streaming today (4/11) on Shudder.