Rating: ★½☆☆☆ (1.5/5 Stars)
Released 06-21-2024
Watched 06-23-2024
Reviewed 06-24-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"I've lost my Faith."
“The Exorcism,” a 2024 American supernatural horror film directed by Joshua John Miller and co-written with M. A. Fortin, is a disappointing attempt at recreating the classic horror genre. Despite a star-studded cast including Russell Crowe, Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg, Adrian Pasdar, and David Hyde Pierce, the film fails to deliver a compelling narrative or any real scares.
Set in New York City, the story revolves around aging, alcoholic actor Anthony Miller (Crowe), who is cast as a priest in a horror film eerily similar to “The Exorcist.” As Miller struggles with his traumatic past and his deteriorating mental state, his daughter Lee (Ryan Simpkins) grows increasingly concerned about his bizarre behavior. What follows is a muddled mess of supernatural occurrences, possession, and an exorcism that lacks coherence and depth.
While valiant, Russell Crowe’s performance cannot save this film from its shortcomings. Ryan Simpkins and David Hyde Pierce give passable efforts, but they are ultimately let down by a weak script that leaves gaping plot holes and underdeveloped characters. The pacing is painfully slow, making it hard to invest in the fate of any of the characters.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the film is its reliance on a flashy, seizure-inducing scene with no real purpose or warning, adding to the list of reasons to avoid this movie. Watching “The Exorcism” feels more like a chore than an enjoyable cinematic experience.
In short, “The Exorcism” is not worth the price of admission. If you must watch it, save it for a background distraction while handing out candy on Halloween. At least then, you won’t miss much when the trick-or-treaters come knocking.
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