Story: Angela and Katherine, best friends, begin displaying signs of demonic possession after returning home following three days in the woods. Now, it's up to Victor, Angela's father, and Ann, a nurse at the local hospital, to step in and ward off the evil shadow that has affected the two girls.
Review: If one were to describe 'The Exorcist: Believer' in a metaphorical shape, it would resemble an inverted pyramid.
All the intriguing aspects of the film are concentrated on the top. However, as the story unfolds, we encounter a series of unfortunate events that lead us into a narrative vortex. This film marks the 50th anniversary of William Friedkin's classic horror masterpiece, but it ultimately falls short of living up to its legacy. While it does have its moments, particularly in the first half, where it skillfully establishes an atmosphere of suspense and a suburban ambiance, the overwhelming influence of the original film becomes burdensome, causing this film to falter under its weight. It's evident that director David Gordon Green is a devoted fan of the classic, as he meticulously recreates scenes that evoke memories of 'The Exorcist.' Just as the original began in Northern Iraq, 'Believer' is set in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Similarly, just as Father Damien was seen punching a bag in a gym in the classic film, we witness Leslie Odom Jr. doing the same here.
The abundance of references to 'The Exorcist' is undeniable.
'The Exorcist' has given rise to numerous sequels and imitations, yet not a single film has managed to come close to recreating the magic of the original. Unfortunately, this film also falls into the category of those that missed the mark. It presents the exorcism of two best friends, a concept that is undeniably intriguing. The film features characters who deliver credible performances, adding their own unique elements to the eerie atmosphere. However, as soon as the exorcism process begins, starting with the arrival of Ellen Burstyn's character, the film loses its grip on the audience's interest. Towards the end, the focus shifts entirely away from the Fieldings to something else.
The film opens with photographer Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr.), who is on vacation in Haiti with his pregnant wife, Sorenne (Tracey Graves). Tragically, an earthquake claims Sorenne's life, and the story then shifts to Percy, Georgia, where we witness Victor taking on the responsibilities of a single father to his daughter, Angela (Lidya Jewett). One day, Angela ventures into the nearby woods with her best friend, Katherine (Olivia O’Neill). When they are eventually found three days later, they have no recollection of what transpired during that time. Gradually, as the two girls begin exhibiting signs of demonic possession, a chain of events is set in motion that brings both families face-to-face with the forces of evil.
Leslie Odom Jr.,
in the role of Victor, the single father, delivers a sincere performance that could have been made more incisive. Nevertheless, he excels in a role that demands him to convey the stress of a father who is often reserved. Lidya Jewett, as Angela, and Olivia O'Neill, as Katherine, the two possessed girls in the film, deliver exceptionally genuine performances. However, one of the standout performances unquestionably belongs to Ann Dowd in her portrayal of Ann, the nurse. Watching Ellen Burstyn on screen as Chris MacNeil, a role she lived 50 years ago, evokes a heartwarming feeling, and she truly enriches the film with her presence. Nonetheless,
it's a poorly developed role that holds little significance in the overall plot of the film. Keep an eye out for the embrace between Regan and Chris in the film, 50 years later.
Even after 50 years, it remains exceedingly challenging for films to surpass the magic of 'The Exorcist,' which earned 10 Oscar nominations. In 1973, it emerged as something truly original and a breath of fresh air.
However, during the climax, when Victor assembles a group of people for the exorcism ritual, it feels rushed and lacks both scariness and innovation. After 50 years, 'The Exorcist' has been revisited in various formats, and perhaps the most fitting way to celebrate the film's 50th anniversary would be to leave it undisturbed.
