The Exorcism is a horror/thriller that attempts to tap into the well-worn genre of demonic possession but falls significantly short of its potential. Directed by Joshua John Miller, the film stars Russell Crowe in a role that regrettably mirrors his recent trajectory in Hollywood—a decline marked by subpar projects that fail to leverage his considerable talent.
The Exorcism American Horror Movie Review
Contents
The Exorcism American Movie Plot:
The plot centers around Anthony Miller (Crowe), a once-prominent actor whose career has deteriorated due to alcoholism and depression following his wife’s death. His estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), comes to live with him after being suspended from school. Anthony lands a role in a film reminiscent of William Friedkin’s The Exorcist after the original actor dies in a mysterious accident. As production begins, Anthony starts exhibiting bizarre behaviors, suggesting possession.
The Exorcism American Movie Cast:
Russell Crowe, Ryan Simpkins, Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg, David Hyde Pierce, Adrian Pasdar, Tracey Bonner.
The Exorcism American Horror Movie Review:
The character of Anthony is depicted with alarming suddenness in his descent into madness, marked by typical demonic possession tropes—body contortions, demonic eyes, and unsettling behavior. The narrative hints at a troubled past, including sexual abuse by a Catholic priest, adding layers to his victimhood but doing little to enhance the storyline’s depth.
David Hyde Pierce portrays Father Conor, the film’s spiritual advisor, who suggests that Anthony’s erratic behavior might be due to demonic possession. Adam Goldberg plays the verbally abusive director, adding a layer of tension on set, while Sam Worthington and Chloe Bailey round out the cast as Anthony’s co-stars.
The film struggles to find its footing, suffering from a lack of originality and coherence. Directed and co-written by Joshua John Miller, the son of Jason Miller who famously played Father Karras in The Exorcist, The Exorcism is rife with references to the 1973 classic. This over-reliance on its predecessor leaves the film feeling derivative rather than fresh or innovative.
The horror sequences lack the necessary punch, the dialogue feels forced, and the pacing is agonizingly slow. The film’s climax, intended to be a dramatic culmination of its eerie build-up, instead feels lackluster and disappointing. Open-ended explanations and a meandering plot leave much to be desired.
The Exorcism American Movie Director:
Director: Joshua John Miller.
The Exorcism American Movie Rating:
Rating: 2/5.
The Exorcism American Movie Runtime:
Runtime: 93 minutes
FAQs: (Frequently asked Questions)
- What is The Exorcism about?
The Exorcism follows Anthony Miller, a troubled actor whose career is revived when he is cast in a film eerily similar to The Exorcist. As filming progresses, Anthony exhibits signs of demonic possession, raising concerns among his estranged daughter and the film’s crew. - Who directed The Exorcism?
Joshua John Miller directed The Exorcism. - Is The Exorcism a remake of The Exorcist?
While not a direct remake, The Exorcism heavily references The Exorcist and features a plot centered around demonic possession, drawing many parallels to the 1973 classic. - Who stars in The Exorcism?
The film stars Russell Crowe, Ryan Simpkins, Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg, David Hyde Pierce, Adrian Pasdar, and Tracey Bonner. - How long is the movie?
The runtime of The Exorcism is 93 minutes. - What are some key themes in The Exorcism?
Key themes include demonic possession, addiction, trauma, and the strained relationship between a father and his estranged daughter. - How has the film been received by critics?
The Exorcism has received largely negative reviews, with critics citing its lack of originality, slow pacing, and unconvincing horror elements. - Are there any standout performances in the film?
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Russell Crowe and David Hyde Pierce deliver noteworthy performances, adding some depth to the otherwise uninspired narrative. - Does the film offer any new elements to the demonic possession genre?
Unfortunately, The Exorcism fails to introduce new elements to the genre, relying instead on familiar tropes and references to The Exorcist. - What is the overall verdict on The Exorcism?
The Exorcism is a disappointing entry in the horror genre, notable primarily for the performances of its lead actors but otherwise lacking in originality, coherence, and effective scares.
Conclusion:
Russell Crowe and David Hyde Pierce provide the film’s few redeeming qualities, bringing a semblance of gravitas to an otherwise lackluster production. However, their presence alone cannot salvage the film from its myriad shortcomings.
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