The Exorcism Movie Review : Muddled potential

Story: A washed-up actor with a troubled past is given a second chance with a lead role in a new horror film

Review: ‘The Exorcism’ stars Russell Crowe as Anthony Miller, an alcoholic actor trying to resurrect his career while battling personal demons. His daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), recently expelled from school, joins him as a production assistant on set. The story starts with a suspicious on-set death, setting a grim tone that, unfortunately, never solidifies. The film attempts to explore the blurred lines between fiction and reality in a horror movie set haunted by real supernatural forces.

Director Joshua John Miller seeks to meld a dramatic character study with the trappings of a horror film, resulting in a disjointed experience that struggles to find its footing. Heavily influenced by William Friedkin’s ‘The Exorcist’, not just thematically but also through direct references, given that Miller’s father, Jason Miller, played Father Karras in the original classic. This personal connection could have infused additional emotional depth into the narrative. Yet, it struggles to balance its dramatic core with the horror elements, ultimately feeling like two competing stories crammed into one.

Crowe delivers a committed performance as Anthony Miller, embodying the character's internal struggles with a gravitas that hints at what the film could have been. His portrayal of a man haunted by both literal and metaphorical demons provides the film's most compelling moments, particularly when he grapples with his addiction and guilt. Ryan Simpkins, as Lee, is less fortunate, as her character remains underdeveloped and serves primarily as a narrative device to advance Anthony’s story. David Hyde Pierce as Father Conor, the on-set priest and consultant, adds a layer of calm detachment to the proceedings, though his character, like many others, lacks depth and a clear purpose.

The film’s atmosphere attempts to recreate the chilling tension of ‘The Exorcist’ but often falls flat. Scenes designed to elicit fear rely too heavily on predictable jump scares, undermining the psychological horror Miller aims for. One notable aspect is the meta-commentary on the nature of horror filmmaking itself. The movie-within-a-movie setup provides a platform for exploring the psychological toll of embodying such dark roles. Yet, this promising angle is insufficiently developed, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.