In October 2023, horror enthusiasts received a new instalment in The Exorcist franchise with the release of The Exorcist: Believer, directed by David Gordon Green. Promising to revive the unsettling dread of the original 1973 classic, this film sought to bridge old and new horror fans by drawing on familiar themes while introducing fresh terror.
The Exorcist: Believer comes with high expectations, especially as it aims to build on one of the most iconic horror films ever made. But does it live up to the legend of its predecessor? Here, we dive into the plot, performances, direction, and overall impact of The Exorcist: Believer, weighing both the praise and criticism it has received.
A Modern Twist on Classic Horror
The Exorcist: Believer centres on a father, Victor Fielding (played by Leslie Odom Jr.), and his daughter Angela. When Angela and her friend Katherine go missing for three days and return exhibiting disturbing behaviour, Victor’s life takes a dark turn as he realizes his daughter may be dealing with forces beyond human control. Desperate for answers, he turns to an unconventional source: Chris MacNeil, portrayed by Ellen Burstyn, reprising her role from the original film. MacNeil’s traumatic encounter with demonic possession decades earlier makes her uniquely suited to assist, bringing continuity between the original Exorcist and this new chapter.
Green’s direction here mixes contemporary horror elements with classic motifs that fans will recognize, creating a film that feels connected to its roots while also suited to today’s audience. The use of atmospheric tension, rather than frequent jump scares, helps The Exorcist: Believer build a slow-burn dread. However, some critics feel that the film falls short of the truly haunting fear that made the original a phenomenon. While Green’s blend of modern horror techniques with traditional exorcism tropes is notable, it has received mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike.
The Cast and Performances
The casting of The Exorcist: Believer was widely praised, with Leslie Odom Jr. delivering a solid, emotional performance as a father grappling with the loss of his wife and the terror facing his daughter. His nuanced portrayal adds depth, as his character’s journey goes beyond supernatural horror, touching on themes of faith, grief, and parental fear. Lidya Jewett, who plays Angela, impresses in her portrayal of a girl subjected to horrifying possession, her unsettling transformation striking a chord with the audience.
Ellen Burstyn’s return as Chris MacNeil brings a nostalgic resonance to the film, as she reprises the role she first inhabited fifty years ago. Burstyn, however, appears only briefly, and while her presence adds a welcome connection to the original, some feel her character could have been utilized more extensively to deepen the plot and provide a stronger link between the old and new narratives. Nonetheless, her performance is as strong as ever, adding a layer of gravitas that heightens the stakes.
Criticisms and Missed Opportunities
While The Exorcist: Believer brings a fresh perspective to a classic story, it hasn’t been without criticism. One common critique is its lack of groundbreaking originality compared to the 1973 original, which revolutionized horror cinema. Some viewers feel that the film tries to replicate the shock value of the first Exorcist without quite capturing its unnerving, visceral intensity.
Another criticism has been the pacing, which some find uneven. Green’s focus on atmosphere over action can sometimes slow the narrative, leaving certain moments feeling drawn-out rather than suspenseful. While this slower pace builds tension for some, others believe it detracts from the horror experience, especially for audiences accustomed to the faster pace of modern horror films. Moreover, while the film succeeds in creating dread, it lacks the shocking, almost unbearable sense of fear that made The Exorcist an unforgettable horror classic.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Addition or a Missed Opportunity?
The Exorcist: Believer is both a tribute to the horror masterpiece that started it all and an attempt to explore new ground within a franchise that defined a genre. David Gordon Green’s direction shows respect for the original, evident in the film’s use of mood, suspense, and complex characters. Yet, it’s clear that this instalment faced the daunting challenge of living up to one of horror’s most revered films.
For some, The Exorcist: Believer is a worthy continuation, providing enough chills and emotional depth to keep viewers engaged. However, for others, it falls short of the psychological terror that characterized the original, feeling like a respectful homage rather than a groundbreaking addition. Ultimately, The Exorcist: Believer may not reach the heights of its legendary predecessor, but it serves as a commendable attempt to revive a franchise steeped in horror history, offering audiences a modern-day look into an ancient fear.
Conclusion
In sum, The Exorcist: Believer offers a respectful nod to the original film, even if it doesn’t quite measure up to its towering legacy. While it may not be as terrifying or innovative as the 1973 classic, it brings new layers of psychological and emotional depth that resonate with today’s viewers. For those looking for a nostalgic yet fresh horror experience, The Exorcist: Believer delivers a unique but polarizing take on demonic possession and family bonds.
Whether it’s seen as a revival or a missed opportunity, it nonetheless makes an intriguing addition to the Exorcist legacy, inviting horror fans to grapple with both fear and faith once again.
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