Watch Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses

Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses is a New Zealand horror-drama film from 2015 that tells the story of the possession and exorcism of a young Maori woman named Janet Moses, who died during the ritual. The film explores themes of traditional beliefs, spirituality, mental illness, and the clash between modern medicine and ancient practices.

The movie begins with the death of Janet Moses (played by Kura Forrester), a 22-year-old mother of two, who died during a failed exorcism that was conducted by her extended family members. The film portrays the events leading up to the exorcism through a series of reenactments and interviews with the family and community members, as well as police officers and medical professionals who were involved in the case.

Janet had been struggling with mental health issues for some time, and her family believed that she was possessed by a demon or a spirit. They turned to a traditional Maori healer named Piri (played by Tangaroa Te Ariki) who had experience in performing exorcisms. Piri believed that Janet was possessed by a water spirit called Makutu, which is believed to be a curse that is cast through the use of black magic.

Piri gathered Janet's family members and performed a traditional exorcism over several days, during which Janet was restrained, forced to drink water, and had a towel pressed against her face. The film shows the intense and disturbing nature of the exorcism, with Janet screaming and thrashing uncontrollably, while her family members prayed and chanted around her. Medical professionals were eventually called to the scene, but it was too late, as Janet had already passed away.

Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses examines the cultural and religious beliefs that led to Janet's tragic death, highlighting the clash between modern medicine and traditional practices. The film doesn't seek to condemn or judge the family members, but rather to understand their beliefs and motivations. It shows how ancient beliefs and practices can coexist with modern ones, and how people's faith and spirituality can be both healing and destructive.

The film also portrays the impact of Janet's death on her family and community, as well as the legal and moral implications of the case. The family members who were involved in the exorcism were charged with manslaughter, which sparked a national debate in New Zealand about the limits of religious freedom and the role of the state in regulating traditional practices.

Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses is a thought-provoking and emotional film that explores complex and sensitive issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It provides a glimpse into a cultural and spiritual worldview that is often overlooked or misunderstood, while also highlighting the dangers of blind faith and superstition.

The film features a strong and diverse cast, including Tangaroa Te Ariki as Piri, Viv Babbington as Detective Sergeant Ross, and Vivien Bell as Dr. John Adams. The cast delivers convincing and nuanced performances, capturing the complexities of their characters' motivations and emotions.

The cinematography and sound design of the film contribute to its haunting and unsettling atmosphere, creating a sense of tension and unease that lingers long after the film has ended. The effective use of reenactments and interviews gives the film a documentary-style feel, which adds to its authenticity and realism.

In conclusion, Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses is a powerful and important film that deals with difficult and sensitive issues in a thoughtful and thought-provoking way. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of spirituality, culture, and mental health, and for those who are open to exploring different perspectives and worldviews.

Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.