Chilling And Humorous —Review Of The Pope's Exorcist (2023)
It seems I've developed a temporary interest in films that showcase things that go bump in the night and make your skin crawl. I reviewed a supernatural/psychological thriller yesterday and today, I'll be reviewing the horror/supernatural film, The Pope's Exorcist (2023). It took me down memory lane to an old horror movie, The Exorcist (1973), that I watched as a kid and had nightmares for weeks!
It's a good thing I'm an adult now and don't scare easily (I think) so this recent film wasn't all that bad. I found it quite thrilling actually, especially because Russell Crowe plays the lead role of Gabriele Amorth, the priest who performs the exorcism. I've always admired Crowe's acting skills after watching his excellent but heart-wrenching performance in Gladiator. I cried after seeing the epic, award-winning film. This actor is great at what he does and did not disappoint in this recent release.
This horror film begins with father Gabriele Amorth (played by Russell Crowe) walking into a house where a young man is writhing on a bed, supposedly possessed by a demon. Amorth by suggestion sends the demon into a pig, the animal is shot and the victim becomes himself again. The priest present at this exorcism reports Amorth to the Cardinal panel at the Vatican in Rome.
In another scene, a mother and her two children arrive at an old Spanish abbey belonging to her late husband. Refurbishment of the building is going on when her son, Henry, exhibits signs of psychosis. The hospital can't treat the boy and sends him home. The boy requests a priest.
At the Vatican, the Pope instructs Gabriele Amorth to pay the family at the abbey a visit and help the boy. When the priest arrives at the abbey and sees the boy, an ancient secret involving a past exorcism comes to light. Is there a bigger agenda in play beyond the possession of a little boy? Why does this demon want Father Gabriele Amorth to perform the exorcism and not another priest?
Review
The Pope's Exorcist is a chilling yet humorous fictionalised tale of Father Gabriele Amorth's exorcisms. It is not based on the real-life experiences of the late priest. The plot is not bad and straightforward. A typical demon possession horror thriller that ends with the victim's deliverance.
The storytelling, character development and cinematography are impressive. Director Julius Avery takes his audience through the stages of demonic possession while giving some flashbacks explaining the abbey and priests' pasts.
The cast's performance is great, especially Peter DeSouza-Feighoney who plays the possessed boy and Russell Crowe. The scenes where Henry's voice changes to baritone and his sister is possessed, her neck twisting to the back and her body convoluting are creepy and thrilling at the same time. They portray the stuff that horror genres are known for.
Crowe's performance is outstanding. His witty remarks give the film a funny and delightful edge. So it's not all about the horror and terrifying displays of the possessed boy. I like how he treads through the film, adding humour and also displaying emotions when his past sins are called to question.
Henry's makeup is realistic and very convincing and thankfully not as scary as Regan MacNeil in The Exorcist. A trip down history lane to explain the darkness surrounding the Spanish abbey makes the film more interesting.
Overall, I enjoyed watching The Pope's Exorcist and commend Russell Crowe for an outstanding act. He breathed life into the script, making viewers' hearts race with each scene. I'll rate it 3.5 stars out of 5.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Other images are screenshots from the movie
Posted using CineTV
Thank you
You have said it all! When I watched this movie I was thrilling and humorous for me too. All thanks to Crowe for that with his witty characters. I enjoy his role as well and the visuals of this movie were captured well. I enjoyed reading your review, haha, it reminded me of the movie all over again.
!discovery 42
I agree that Russell Crowe did great in this film. His witty remarks, especially when he teased the other priest (panty sniffer). 😂
Thanks so much for reading my review. I appreciate your support. !PIMP !LADY 💕
You must be killin' it out here!
@kemmyb just slapped you with 1.000 PIMP, @esther-emmanuel.
You earned 1.000 PIMP for the strong hand.
They're getting a workout and slapped 1/1 possible people today.
Read about some PIMP Shit or Look for the PIMP District
View or trade
LOHtokens.@kemmyb, you successfully shared 0.1000 LOH with @esther-emmanuel and you earned 0.1000 LOH as tips. (1/4 calls)
Use !LADY command to share LOH! More details available in this post.
This post was shared and voted inside the discord by the curators team of discovery-it
Join our Community and follow our Curation Trail
Discovery-it is also a Witness, vote for us here
Delegate to us for passive income. Check our 80% fee-back Program
Thank you