Over the weekend while I was alone, tired, but unable to sleep, truly an unpleasant combination, I skimmed over the streaming menus on Amazon Prime and stumbled upon this film God Told Me To.

The movie was not a total unknown to me as I had heard a brief discussion about it on the podcast Cinema Junkie as the Host interviewed and reviewed the career and films of Larry Cohen. With my interest already sparked by that episode of the podcast I started the movie.

In God Told Me To random people in New York City suddenly and inexpiably engaged in spree killing. The detective, Peter Nicholas a devout Catholic, investigating the seeming disconnected series of murderous out bursts learns that each person felt compelled by God to commit the horrible acts. Propelled by his own crisis of faith Peter investigates their history, uncovering a common connection between the attacks in the form of a young blond man, a man with a face that no one seems able to remember. Peter’s investigation uncovers religious cults, crooked cops, and other worldly encounters, ultimately bringing Peter face to face with the mysterious young man and a terrible truth about Peter himself.

Honestly when I started the playback I suspected I would watch a bit of the film and most likely complete viewing it, if I did at all, the following evening, but instead I watched the entire feature, ignoring my exhaustion, intrigued by the story as it continued to unfold in unexpected directions. By the end all relevant mysteries were resolved and I found the film fascinating and well worth the time.

If you have Amazon Prime and quirky films appeal to you this is something to consider. I can’t properly categorize its genre; it’s part religious horror such as The Omen and The Exorcist, its part Science-Fiction, and its part mystery. Above all it is unique.