Doomsday (2022) Review

From the outside, it can be easy to raise an eyebrow at the practices and steadfast devotion of groups more commonly known as cults. Whilst most people would consider themselves far too logical to be brainwashed into the increasingly bizarre behaviour of groups such as NXIVM and the Church of Scientology, the fascination remains.

Such fascination has led to phrases such as ‘drink the koolaid’ being adopted into our cultural vocabulary and numerous documentaries have sought to expose the inner workings of such groups, to reveal just what it is that creates such unyielding loyalty in seemingly normal people. As is often the case, the truth is far more mundane than may be expected. Everyone everywhere is seeking something, and sometimes a carefully timed charismatic leader can signal the salvation some seek.

From Director Sonja O’Hara, ‘Doomsday’ follows a small community dubbed ‘Yesterdays Promise’, who have rejected modern society and chosen to live by their own rules, off grid. The predominately female group (which includes director O’Hara herself and Alice Kremelberg, star of season 4 of The Sinner) follow leader ‘Dagny’ (Karin Agstam), an enigmatic older woman who almost gives off an otherworldly sense of insight and knowing.

Dagny’s followers are a mismatch of individuals, each implied to have their own trauma and vulnerabilities that has led them to her, joining the group under new names and new identities. Along with this rejection of themselves and their previous lives, we see a number of other typical elements of cult behaviour – from the use of drugs to the list of bizarre rules that work to keep the group monitored at all times. Followers must be with their ‘pairing’ at all times and bathing must be done at the express permission of Dagny.

Whilst this is explained as a freedom from vanity and dismissing any shame about the natural body, underneath the surface of each rule the same element remains – control. As the series progresses, we learn the extent that many followers have went to to be there. From giving up their homes, to sharing deeply personal information – information that can potentially be used later to blackmail members, in a move that parallels the actions of real life cult NXIVM. Similarly, we witness the interviews of followers – designed to help them let go of their previous lives – though a clear nod to the practices of ‘clearing’ within the Church of Scientology.

Whilst from an outside perspective, the coercive control is clear, ‘Doomsday’ isn’t necessarily all doom and gloom. There is a certain appeal in the strong bonds between the group and an idyllic liberation in their freedom from modern stressors. Whilst the viewer can clearly tell looking in that things are not going to end well, O’Hara has cleverly shown two sides of the same coin – highlighting the often forgotten appeal of such groups that manages to lure people in in the first place.

Whilst it is probably a given that a series about a Doomsday cult isn’t likely to end well, a sudden flash forward to a police style interview reflecting on events within the group adds a lingering sense of foreboding as it becomes clear the series is progressing towards something devastating.

Visually, there are some interesting elements at play. Close up shots are brightly lit, with warm colours creating a sense of calm and comfort. Shots will change quickly to an opposing wide shot. The same scene, but with muted, dreary tones – the angle distorting elements somewhat. The result is unnerving, the viewer never quite knowing what to feel or indeed what to believe – the effect mimicking the conditioned facade the cult has worked so hard to create. As time progresses, the facade begins to slip, leader Dagny herself becoming more wild and dishevelled.

In a lot of ways, Doomsday shares many elements with Ari Aster’s ’Midsommar’, and fans of the folk horror are likely to enjoy this series.

Whilst on the surface, the series is about the grasp of a modern day cult, Doomsday dives into the interpersonal relationships of the followers, developing as a fascinating character study that will likely at times oddly parallel the viewers own feelings at times.

Living in the world currently, as people try to manage the effects of inflation against the background of war, it no longer seems quite so far fetched to suggest the end is nigh. I must admit, if someone offered me the calm and serenity of a yoga retreat with like minded individuals.. I may be tempted.

Would you?

Read Doomsday writer, director and lead actor Sonja O’Hara’s Horror Favourites right HERE

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