JeruZalem (2015) – A Supernatural Horror with a Biblical Twist

JeruZalem is a supernatural horror film released in 2015, directed and written by Israeli filmmakers Doron and Yoav Paz. This English-language film takes viewers on a terrifying journey into the heart of Jerusalem, blending religious mythology with a chilling, apocalyptic narrative. The film stars Yael Grobglas, Yon Tumarkin, Danielle Jadelyn, and Tom Graziani, offering a unique take on the zombie and possession genre.

Plot Overview

The film opens with a dark historical event from 1972 in Jerusalem, where priests from various religious backgrounds are called to perform an exorcism on a woman who had mysteriously risen from the grave. The priests’ failure to contain the woman leads to a shocking and violent conclusion, setting the stage for the discovery of a gateway to Hell in Jerusalem. This ominous event marks the “first proof” of the city’s connection to supernatural forces.

In the present day, two American Jewish tourists, Rachel and Sarah Pullman, travel to Tel Aviv, hoping to heal after the loss of Sarah’s brother. When they meet Kevin, an American student with a fascination for religious myths, they decide to visit Jerusalem. Kevin introduces them to local tales of the Jinns, the Golem, and other supernatural entities. Soon, they realize that Jerusalem’s eerie history might have more to it than they imagined, especially after a series of strange occurrences.

As they tour the city and visit key religious sites, the four friends—Rachel, Sarah, Kevin, and local hostel owner Omar—find themselves caught up in a terrifying series of supernatural events. When Sarah wishes for her deceased brother to return at the Western Wall, dark omens start to unfold, with demonic forces beginning to take over the city. After several horrifying encounters, the group learns that the gates of Hell have opened, and an apocalyptic battle between humans and demons begins.

Themes and Style

The film’s unique blend of found footage and supernatural horror creates an immersive experience, with much of the action being seen from Sarah’s perspective through a pair of smart glasses. The setting of Jerusalem, with its rich religious history and iconic landmarks, adds an eerie atmosphere to the story, reinforcing the biblical themes of demonic possession and the end of days. The story draws inspiration from the Talmud’s mention of three gates to Hell, one of which is said to be in Jerusalem, making the city a fitting backdrop for the unfolding horror.

While the film touches on themes of faith, loss, and the supernatural, it also delivers intense, suspenseful moments of terror, as the characters face increasingly dangerous threats from the demonic forces overtaking the city. The concept of demons infecting people and transforming them into monstrous creatures brings a fresh spin to the zombie genre, with characters forced to make difficult choices to survive.

Reception and Impact

JeruZalem has received mixed reviews from critics. It holds a 56% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 45/100 score on Metacritic, indicating that while the film offers a fresh setting and intriguing premise, its execution is somewhat flawed. Some critics have praised the film’s setting and atmosphere, while others feel that it ultimately doesn’t live up to its potential.

Despite its mixed reviews, the film has garnered attention for its unique approach to horror, setting it apart from traditional zombie films. The Paz brothers’ decision to incorporate Jerusalem’s historical and religious significance into the narrative adds an extra layer of depth, making the film not just a horror story but a reflection on faith and the battle between good and evil.

Sequel and Future Plans

A sequel to JeruZalem was announced in 2016, with plans to film it in Jerusalem and set it ten years after the events of the first film. However, the release of the sequel has faced delays, including a postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2024, there has been no further update on its development, leaving fans eager for more information about the continuation of this chilling story.

Conclusion

JeruZalem is a supernatural horror film that blends religious mythology, found footage, and apocalyptic terror. While it has its flaws, the film offers a fresh and disturbing take on the zombie and possession genres, with a unique setting that taps into the rich religious and historical background of Jerusalem. The Paz brothers’ direction and the film’s atmospheric setting make it an intriguing watch for horror enthusiasts looking for something different from the conventional undead thriller.

Here is the full version of the movie:

Hits: 11