Falls short of honoring the legacy of the original.

Highlights

• Premiered on October 6, 2023, in the United States.
• Leslie Odom Jr. as Victor Fielding, Ellen Burstyn reprising her role as Chris MacNeil. Ann Dowd, Jennifer Nettles, Norbert Leo Butz in supporting roles.
• Fast-forward to Victor’s daughter Angela and her friend Katherine’s encounter with the demonic.
• It’s a disappointing sequel lacking the original’s atmosphere and depth.
• Receives mostly negative reviews.

In horror cinema, few titles command the reverence and spine-tingling anticipation as “The Exorcist.” The 1973 masterpiece, directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, left an indelible mark on the genre, etching itself into the annals of cinematic history. So when news of a new installment, “The Exorcist: Believer,” hit screens in 2023, horror aficionados and curious viewers alike held their breaths in collective anticipation. Directed by David Gordon Green and featuring a star-studded cast including Leslie Odom Jr., Ellen Burstyn, and Ann Dowd, the film promised to revive the iconic series, taking us once more into the abyss of possession, exorcism, and otherworldly horrors. 

However, as the credits roll and the echoes of Pazuzu fade, the question arises: Does “The Exorcist: Believer” live up to the daunting legacy of its predecessor, or does it stumble into the realm of cinematic disappointment? In this article, we delve into the world of “The Exorcist: Believer,” exploring its release, cast, plot, reviews, and critics’ verdict to unravel the mysteries and horrors of this eagerly awaited sequel.

Release Date of Movie

“The Exorcist: Believer” premiered in the United States on October 6, 2023, with a limited release in some theaters on October 5, 2023. Universal Pictures, in collaboration with Peacock, acquired distribution rights for the film in June 2021, with plans to create a new trilogy within The Exorcist franchise.

The exorcist: beliver ( 2023 ) pic.twitter.com/yzRFIjqh2p

— gab TOTALLY KILLER (@carpentfilm) October 7, 2023

Cast of The Exorcist: Believer

The film’s cast is impressive, with notable performances from:

• Leslie Odom Jr. as Victor Fielding, Angela’s father.
• Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil
• Ann Dowd as Ann
• Jennifer Nettles as Miranda
• Norbert Leo Butz as Tony
• Lidya Jewett as Angela Fielding
• Olivia Marcum as Katherine
• Okwui Okpokwasili as Dr. Beehibe
• Raphael Sbarge as Don Revans
• Danny McCarthy as Stuart
• E.J. Bonilla as Father Maddox

Plot of Movie

The story begins in Haiti, where Victor and his pregnant wife are on their honeymoon. Tragedy strikes when an earthquake leads Victor to make a heartbreaking choice between saving his wife or their unborn child. Fast forward to the present, and Victor is now the father of a 13-year-old daughter, Angela. Angela becomes obsessed with her late mother, leading her and her friend Katherine into a ritualistic venture in the woods, unwittingly attracting demonic attention.

The girls go missing, only to reappear days later, seemingly normal but gradually displaying signs of possession. Victor seeks help from Chris MacNeil, the mother from the original Exorcist film. However, her involvement results in little progress and personal harm.

A diverse group, including evangelical neighbors, a Catholic woman, and a Pentecostal man, prepares for a climactic exorcism. While the possession intensifies, the demon, revealed as Pazuzu, claims that Angela is its daughter and unleashes a plan for widespread evil.

The film’s climax sees a sacrificial act by the pagan priestess and the arrival of the Catholic priest, who joins the exorcism. The intense struggle concludes with a surprising twist as Victor sacrifices himself, only to discover the truth about Angela’s lineage and the protective power of a talisman.

Review of Movie

“The Exorcist: Believer” has disappointed both fans and critics. The film lacks the chilling atmosphere and emotional depth that made the original “Exorcist” a horror classic. Instead, it resorts to overused jump scares, cliches, and excessive exposition. The narrative struggles with its numerous characters and subplots, resulting in a lack of cohesion and focus. It needs to explore possession’s psychological and spiritual aspects, missing an opportunity to offer fresh insights into the franchise. Overall, the film falls short of honoring the legacy of its predecessor and ends up as a forgettable and uninspiring horror movie.

Critics Response

Critics have largely panned “The Exorcist: Believer,” with many considering it one of the year’s weakest releases. The film holds a meager 23% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 41 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating “mixed or average” reviews. Critics have criticized the film for its lack of imagination, reliance on conventional horror tropes, and inability to capture the essence of the original “Exorcist” film.

Where to Watch?

Currently, “The Exorcist: Believer” is exclusively playing in theaters. For showtimes and ticket information, you can visit the movie’s official website, check Fandango for local screenings, or visit your preferred local movie theater’s website.

Streaming options will become available later, with the film expected to arrive on Peacock between December 2023 and February 2024, followed by a release on Prime Video four months later.

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Conclusion

The Exorcist: Believer falls short of the high expectations set by its iconic predecessor. Despite a talented cast and the potential to reinvigorate the franchise, the film fails to deliver the terror and depth that made the original “Exorcist” a classic. With a disappointing storyline, reliance on tired horror cliches, and lackluster critical reception, “The Exorcist: Believer” may leave fans of the series yearning for the genuine horror and intrigue of the original film.

Ratings

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