How Zeke Got Religion: The Most Terrifying Episode of Love, Death & Robots Yet!

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Love, Death + Robots has come back on Netflix for Season 4 after a hiatus of three years, and one particularly terrifying episode stands out among the rest. This episode, titled “How Zeke Got Religion” directed by Diego Porral in Season 4, Episode 8, uses traditional cell animation to give viewers a spine-tingling experience. A diverse group on board a WWII B-17 plane is mercilessly attacked mid-flight by a demonic entity resurrected by soldiers from below in a church, leaving viewers with chills down their spines.

In the pulse-pounding style reminiscent of James Cameron’s Aliens, the relentless violence akin to a Mario Bava film, and the eerie touch of H.P. Lovecraft’s supernatural terror, “How Zeke Got Religion” expertly blends these elements into a spine-tingling, awe-inspiring 15 minutes of bloodcurdling horror. The crushing sensation of confinement escalates dread to an almost unbearable level, culminating in a chilling climax.

“How Zeke Got Religion” Is Action-Packed

Under the guidance of director Diego Porral, who was scripted by John McNichol and J.T. Petty, “How Zeke Got Religion” unfolds as the eighth episode in Love, Death + Robots Season 4. The narrative swiftly begins within a B-17 bomber named Liberty Belle, housing an eclectic group of American airmen preparing for a mission to strike a target. A soldier voices apprehension regarding the operation, mentioning that Zeke (Keston John), their atheistic comrade in arms, rarely shows signs of worry or fear.

In a quick moment of remembrance, we see Zeke and his fellow team members being given their task: bombing a French church controlled by German troops during World War II. Although Coombs, a cryptic figure with red eyes, cautions them about the unknown commander, Zeke remains untroubled by the upcoming operation. However, when the Liberty Belle is persistently targeted by an unidentified enemy, soldiers of diverse faiths are compelled to unite and carry out their mission.

The frenzied activity swiftly transforms into heart-stopping dread as one enters the church, for within lies a band of SS soldiers performing a gory sacrificial rite. Human victims are suspended from the ceiling, their bodies trembling. Mirroring this scene above, bombs rain down, shattering the cityscape. Meanwhile, a mass grave accumulates a torrent of blood below. Regrettably, there’s no sanctuary to be found.

In a chilling scene, a malevolent priest mutters incantations in Aramaic, aiming to reawaken a grotesque demon offspring for the wicked commands of the German troops. The episode offers gruesome, unrelenting, and intensely realistic portrayals of gruesome violence that sends shivers down even the spines of seasoned horror enthusiasts.

How “Zeke Got Religion” Channels Classic H.P. Lovecraft

Paying a touching tribute to Lovecraftian terror, “How Zeke Got Religion” starts by plunging us into the scribe’s cosmic horror through its setting primarily in the skies. Trapped within the confined space of a B-17 fighter jet, the episode instills a chilling sense of claustrophobia that intensifies as the narrative progresses. With no other option but to confront the demonic fallen angel directly, Porral skillfully makes both characters and viewers feel powerless and uneasily apprehensive.

Apart from making the already tense situation even more frightening due to limited space and no clear exit routes, the event also conjures up a monstrous entity reminiscent of Lovecraft’s works, particularly his Cthulhu Mythos. Even the composed Zeke, who rarely shows fear, was petrified at the sight of a massive, shadowy figure with irregular wings, twisted limbs, glowing eyes, and a golden cherub mask covering its face, appearing on the plane. The grotesque figure of this many-limbed monster is bone-chilling in its own right, resembling a ravenous, winged demon with an unquenchable thirst for blood.

The demon’s disturbing looks are surpassed by its wicked deeds. It tears soldiers in half at the waist, rips others’ faces off from their skulls, and smashes another’s face against a window until it bursts grotesquely, like a grape. Scene after scene, this episode serves up one shocking display of gruesome violence.

This episode combines the tense, confined terror, brutal violence, and ominous supernatural entities reminiscent of Alien, Cthulhu, and Hellboy. It also evokes memories of chilling airborne horror tales like Stephen King’s The Night Flier and “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” from The Twilight Zone. For dedicated horror enthusiasts, “How Zeke Got Religion” certainly lives up to expectations.

Why “How Zeke Got Religion” Is the Best of ‘Love, Death & Robots’ Season 4

Among all the episodes in Season 4 that are known for their thrilling suspense and futuristic themes, or those that make use of advanced animation techniques, “How Zeke Got Religion” stands out as one of the most unique. This is because it deviates from the norm by using retro ’80s-style animation to narrate a tale from the past with a warning about potential future horrors.

In this episode, rather than specifically naming them, the World War II adversaries depicted serve as a warning about the growing threat of fascism globally in 2025. The storyline of “How Zeke Got Religion” is less about Zeke’s religious conversion and more about condemning the oppressive religious practices carried out by these WWII antagonists.

The episode conveys a hidden message, using the metaphor of fascism as an embodiment of evil, subtly embedded within the graphic violence it portrays. Meanwhile, David Fincher’s opening recreation of a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert from 2003 is more of a backdrop than a central theme or message.

Although some viewers might argue that the episode “How Zeke Got Religion” doesn’t seamlessly fit into Season 4’s broader narrative, this is actually its strength and what makes it stand out as the top-rated episode (earning a 7.1 IMDb score). Unlike other episodes that subtly explore themes about AI dangers, “How Zeke Got Religion” serves as a stark warning of potential future consequences if fascism isn’t challenged. If history repeats itself, then this episode acts as a chilling portrayal of what may transpire if we remain complacent. However, for a 15-minute animated series, such profound themes might not resonate with many viewers.

Beneath the gruesome violence, confined dread, eerie cosmic themes, and stunning animation lies the common thread that connects the entire “How Zeke Got Religion” episode. Both casual and dedicated horror enthusiasts will find themselves won over by this captivating piece. As a critic who has reviewed horror films for more than a decade, I appreciated how Porral skillfully blended various subgenres within a short period to deliver a relentless barrage of horror while still carrying a meaningful message.

Stream Love, Death + Robots on Netflix.

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2025-05-22 05:02