Russell Crowe’s foray into the realm of demonic possession seems to be a continuing chapter in his career, with recent titles sparking audience curiosity. Following the 2023 release of The Pope’s Exorcist, many movie enthusiasts are wondering if his latest film, The Exorcism, is a direct sequel. It’s important to clarify that The Exorcism, while thematically similar, is not connected to The Pope’s Exorcist. In fact, The Exorcism was filmed and ready for release much earlier, with production completed in 2019, but its debut was postponed until 2024. So, to answer the immediate question for fans eager to dive into Crowe’s new horror offering: where can I watch The Exorcism? As of now, details on streaming availability are still emerging, but we can delve into what makes this film distinct and what to expect.
Directed by Joshua John Miller, The Exorcism carries a unique lineage within the horror genre. Joshua John Miller is the son of Jason Miller, the iconic actor who portrayed Father Damien Karras in the 1973 cinematic masterpiece, The Exorcist. Interestingly, The Exorcism can be viewed as a contemporary reimagining of his father’s legacy, albeit with a fresh narrative and a different title. The premise itself holds promise for an engaging horror experience.
The film introduces us to Anthony Miller (Russell Crowe), a seasoned actor attempting to revitalize his career after personal setbacks. Grief-stricken by the loss of his wife and having confronted his struggles with alcohol addiction, Anthony sees a glimmer of hope when offered the role of a priest in a movie centered around exorcism. This opportunity arises after an unsettling incident on set, hinting at darker forces at play. Alongside his estranged daughter, Lee, Anthony embarks on this project with renewed optimism.
However, The Exorcism adopts a deliberately slow-burn approach. For a film with a relatively concise runtime of ninety minutes, the narrative takes its time to unfold. It’s nearly an hour into the movie before the central conflict truly ignites. This pacing might test the patience of viewers anticipating the immediate thrills and scares reminiscent of films like The Pope’s Exorcist or the original The Exorcist. The Exorcism prioritizes character development and atmosphere, opting for a gradual build-up of tension. The film also explores subplots, such as Anthony’s daughter Lee’s lesbian relationship, which, while adding depth to her character, feels somewhat tangential to the main storyline and its thematic core.
Russell Crowe delivers a compelling performance, reaffirming his acting prowess. In the film’s latter half, Anthony undergoes a demonic possession, prompting the arrival of Father Conor, portrayed by David Hyde Pierce. Pierce, recognizable to many as Dr. Niles Crane from the beloved sitcom Frasier, injects a new dynamic into the narrative. This segment of the film escalates in intensity, yet the ultimate resolution ventures into somewhat improbable territory. The demon, initially conceived as a fictional entity for the movie-within-a-movie, seemingly manifests into reality and possesses Anthony. Father Conor, Lee, and her friend then unite to confront and expel this unexpected demonic presence.
This narrative turn marks a departure from the film’s earlier trajectory, which showed potential for a more grounded and nuanced exploration of faith and personal demons. The ending, unfortunately, veers towards predictability, particularly for those familiar with the exorcism genre. The initial reviews might paint a harsh picture, but The Exorcism isn’t entirely without merit. Similar to reactions to The Pope’s Exorcist, opinions may be divided. The extended setup and slow pacing are crucial aspects of The Exorcism‘s structure. A more refined and impactful conclusion could have significantly elevated the film’s overall impact. For those seeking a high-octane, relentlessly frightening exorcism movie, adjusting expectations is advisable. The Exorcism offers a more deliberate and character-driven experience, and its availability for viewing – to answer the initial question of where can I watch The Exorcism – will likely expand to streaming platforms in the future, offering audiences further opportunities to engage with this latest entry in the demonic possession subgenre.
