Guyana: Cult of the Damned
Director: René Cardona Jr.
Actors: Stuart Whitman, Gene Barry, John Ireland
PlotIn the late 1970s, a charismatic religious leader known as Reverend James Johnson establishes a utopian community called "Johnsontown" deep in the jungles of Guyana. Fleeing societal oppression and driven by the promise of equality and peace, over a thousand followers leave their lives behind to join Johnson’s revolutionary socialist movement. As families settle into this new paradise, they work tirelessly to realize their leader’s ambitious vision. However, beneath the veneer of idyllic harmony, tensions begin to simmer. Johnson’s increasingly erratic behavior and authoritarian demands soon raise fears among his followers. Outside the compound, reports of human rights abuses capture international attention, prompting a concerned U.S. congressman to visit Johnsontown.
The congressman's visit triggers unexpected consequences. His entourage discovers unsettling truths, escalating the pressure on Johnson. Struggling to maintain control, Johnson tightens his grip on the commune, issuing chilling directives and creating an atmosphere of paranoia and desperation. As the situation spirals, some members contemplate escape, risking severe punishment. The community teeters on the brink of chaos, obsessed with its leader’s dark prophecies. The rural paradise morphs into a volatile powder keg, ready to ignite with devastating consequences. The unfolding drama explores themes of faith, control, and the human capacity for both devotion and deception under the thrall of one man's uncompromising authority.
Writers: Carlos Valdemar, René Cardona Jr.
Release Date: 25 Jan 1980
Runtime: 90 min
Rating: R
Country: Mexico
Language: English, Spanish
Home Video Reviews
Guyana: Cult of the Damned offers strong performances and detailed production but ultimately prioritizes shock over depth, with improved Blu-ray visuals.
Read our review of Guyana: Cult of the Damned Blu-ray Guyana: Crime of the Century Guyana, el crimen del siglo to find out more