The Cleansing 1980
John Davies' sharp 1980 comedy short *The Cleansing* dives into the quirks of religious devotion with a devilish twist. The story follows Mary, a pious young Catholic, as she introduces her skeptical new boyfriend to her equally fervent parents.
Director: John Davies
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Cleansing (1980) about?
This 13-minute comedy follows a devout Catholic girl who introduces her new boyfriend to her equally devout parents. Their meeting takes a bizarre turn when her parents instantly assume he's the Antichrist and decide to perform a ceremonial cleansing. The short blends religious satire with family farce in a tightly scripted short film.
Who directed The Cleansing?
The Cleansing was directed by John Davies, a filmmaker known for his work in short-form comedy during the late 20th century.
Who stars in The Cleansing?
The short features Elizabeth Caldwell as Mary and Jim Belushi as her boyfriend, with supporting roles from the parents.
Is The Cleansing (1980) worth watching?
While *The Cleansing* is a niche pick—given its 13-minute runtime and unrated status—it stands out as a quirky time capsule of early 1980s dark comedy. Fans of offbeat, satirical shorts will appreciate its quick wit, though its lack of IMDb rating may give pause to general audiences.
How long is The Cleansing?
The Cleansing runs for 13 minutes.
About The Cleansing (1980) — A Dark Comedy Where Dinner Becomes Divine Exorcism
John Davies' sharp 1980 comedy short *The Cleansing* dives into the quirks of religious devotion with a devilish twist. The story follows Mary, a pious young Catholic, as she introduces her skeptical new boyfriend to her equally fervent parents. What begins as a tense family dinner spirals into a farcical showdown when her parents, upon meeting him, declare him the Antichrist and demand nothing less than his "cleansing." Set against the backdrop of 1980s suburban domesticity, the film blends dark humor with the absurdity of fanaticism, all wrapped in a compact 13-minute runtime that packs a punch.
With its undercurrent of satire and quick-witted dialogue, *The Cleansing (1980)* offers a biting yet playful take on how faith and fear can distort perception. The short's tight pacing and sharp performances make it a cult curiosity for fans of offbeat comedies, where a seemingly innocent meet-the-parents scenario takes a surreal turn into the supernatural. It's a snapshot of era-specific storytelling, where religion meets farce in the most unexpected ways.