The Exorcism, a new horror film directed by Joshua John Miller, promises to pay homage to the classic religious horror movies of the 1970s. With a meta concept that winks at the genre, the film should ideally deliver a fun and scary ride. However, it ultimately falls victim to its self-seriousness and empty scares.
The film’s opening act sets the stage for a clever commentary on the horror genre, with a nod to Scream’s influence. Anthony Miller, played by Russell Crowe, is an actor haunted by his past experiences as an altar boy and struggling to come to terms with his current reality. The film’s production is plagued by supernatural occurrences, which mirror the struggles of Anthony’s character.
As the story progresses, the film abandons its interesting ideas for formulaic and stale scare sequences. The performances, including Crowe’s, fail to match the tone of the movie. Crowe’s portrayal of Anthony is heavy-handed and overly somber, rather than nuanced and emotionally resonant.
The Exorcism’s attempts to tackle themes such as faith and the complexities of redemption come across as shallow and superficial. The film’s reliance on jump scares and cheap thrills
A Still From The Exorcism 2024 (Photo: The Exorcism)
is further marred by its misuse of controversial subject matter, such as Anthony’s sexual assault and the objectification of his own daughter.
The supporting cast, including Sam Worthington and David Hyde Pierce, is wasted in underwritten and underutilized roles. The chemistry between the leads is nonexistent, and the romantic subplot between Lee (Ryan Simpkins) and Blake (Chloe Bailey) feels forced and unconvincing.
Ultimately, The Exorcism is a disappointing attempt at a modern take on old-school horror. With its overly intense direction, hollow scares, and imbalance of tone, the film is a thrown-together mess. Even the most ardent fans of religious horror may find themselves checking their watches halfway through the tedious runtime.
The Exorcism’s intriguing concept is ultimately overshadowed by its lack of depth, poor pacing, and heavy-handed direction. The film’s self-seriousness and inability to balance tone and horror elements make it a forgettable and uninspired addition to the genre.
