The Exorcist: Believer will be in theaters on October 6th.
“The Exorcist: Believer” had all the potential to reignite the horror genre, especially with its intriguing premise of two possessed young girls and a stellar cast. Unfortunately, the film fails to deliver the spine-tingling scares and exceptional storytelling that horror enthusiasts crave. One of the film’s strengths lies in the performances, particularly those of the young actresses portraying the possessed girls, Angela and Katherine. Olivia Marcum and Lidya Jewett’s dedication to their roles is evident and deliver convincing performances. However, no breakout performances exist despite a solid ensemble cast featuring Leslie Odom, Jr., Ann Dowd, Jennifer Nettles, and Norbert Leo Butz.
Like its predecessor, it takes its time to set up the story.
It invests heavily in building an emotional and heartbreaking narrative in the beginning, which is commendable but may test the patience of viewers looking for immediate scares. Where the film truly falters is in its attempts at horror. The scares feel disappointingly cheap, lacking the depth and intensity the premise promised. While the film is rated R, it never pushes the envelope or explores the limits of its rating, making it feel like a PG-13 attempt at horror. This is a missed opportunity, especially for fans of the original, who may have expected a more terrifying experience.
One notable aspect is the return of Ellen Burstyn.
She reprises her iconic role as Chris MacNeil. While her involvement is a nice nod to the original, it feels like a misdirection, as her character’s role in the film isn’t as significant as one might expect. Despite its cinematic accomplishments, even after revisiting the original “Exorcist” movie, it’s hard to shake the feeling that it was overrated. “The Exorcist: Believer” sadly follows a similar path, failing to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor.
Verdict
I give The Exorcist: Believer 3.5 out of 5 stars. In the world of horror, storytelling, and unforgettable scares, this film struggles to deliver on both fronts. It relies on its legacy and the allure of the original film to draw in fans. While it may have had the potential to reinvigorate the franchise, it ultimately leaves viewers disappointed and longing for the gripping horror experiences of the past.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.