When the trailer for “The Exorcism” dropped, it was clear that this film was not going to be just another rehashing of the classic horror genre. With Russell Crowe starring as a troubled actor who becomes possessed by a demon, the movie seemed to promise a clever blend of meta humor and genuine scares. Unfortunately, what resulted was a disjointed and poorly executed film that fails to deliver on its intriguing concept.
The film’s biggest problem is its inability to balance its tone. The first half of the movie is a riotous romp, chuckling at its own satire and winking at the horror genre. But as the midpoint approaches, “The Exorcism” abandons all notions of subtlety and resorts to generic jump scares and creepy ambiance. It’s a jarring shift that leaves the viewer disoriented and disconnected from the events on screen.
The film’s biggest misstep, however, is Russell Crowe’s performance. As the protagonist, Anthony, Crowe struggles to find the right tone for the character. He’s stuck in heavy-handed mode, unable to convey the vulnerability and humanity that’s required for his role. It’s a shame, too, because he’s clearly a capable actor, as evidenced by his work in “The Pope’s Exorcist”.
A Still From The Exorcism 2024 (Photo: The Exorcism)
The supporting cast fares better, with Ryan Simpkins shining as Anthony’s teenage daughter, Lee. She and her love interest, Blake, played by Chloe Bailey, bring a much-needed sense of realism to the film’s otherwise over-the-top proceedings.
Despite its intriguing premise, “The Exorcism” fails to deliver on its promise. With a disjointed tone, generic scares, and a heavy-handed performance from Crowe, it’s a disappointing film that peters out after a promising start. Perhaps future endeavors will learn from this misstep and create a film that’s more interested in exploring its ideas than simply relying on cheap scares.
