So, either you're like myself and never saw the original film, or you're one of those that watched it and are a fan of it for its time. The real question is, does that matter? Will this film hold up on its own and do amazing call backs to appease both groups of people watching the new Exorcist film? That's the real question to ask.
Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago, Victor Fielding (Tony winner and Oscar® nominee Leslie Odom, Jr.; One Night in Miami, Hamilton) has raised their daughter, Angela (Lidya Jewett, Good Girls) on his own. But when Angela and her friend Katherine (newcomer Olivia O’Neill), disappear in the woods, only to return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, it unleashes a chain of events that will force Victor to confront the nadir of evil and, in his terror and desperation, seek out the only person alive who has witnessed anything like it before: Chris MacNeil.
While the death of Angela's mother is not one to take lightly, you need to ask yourself if that's an appropriate thing to do in a world where people really did die in this earthquake that actually did happen. While I'm sure many in the audience didn't have someone related to them who did pass in the real earthquake, it's just untimely and something the studio could have avoided. So the film starts off with this, so you already know the film doesnt care about affecting the audience in real life scenarios.
The film does have some awesome jump scares in it. It will have you jumping when you don't even think it is coming at you. While there's not many, which is a good thing, there are just enough to keep you on your toes and interested in the film as it moves at a slow pace.
While the children actors are the stars of the show, it's because they can deeply act well for the characters they need to perform, the story feels flat. While there are moments you won't expect what's going to happen, there are other times you're just sitting there contemplating what's going on as the film moves slowly, up until the third act.
All in all, this movie is a good movie to watch to get you in the spooky spirit during the spooky season. So sit back, get some popcorn and enjoy the jumps.
THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER is in theaters October 6th, 2023.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Billy Joynt (Editor) - Billy has seen many movies over the years. He enjoys comedies and anything action, including the summer blockbuster movies. You can follow Billy on Twitter here.Click Here to check out Billy's Articles.