When you see the poster for The Exorcism, you might think it’s a sequel to The Pope’s Exorcist (2023), where Russell Crowe played the charismatic priest Gabriele Amorth. But don’t be fooled—this movie stands on its own. Directed by Joshua John Miller, The Exorcism trades holy water for something a bit more grounded: a story about a washed-up actor battling personal and literal demons. With a mix of psychological drama and supernatural horror, does the film deliver the chills it promises? Let’s find out.
Plot of The Exorcism
Anthony Miller (Russell Crowe) is a once-famous actor whose career has been derailed by years of alcohol and drug abuse. When he’s offered a shot at redemption—a lead role in a horror movie about a priest performing exorcisms—he grabs it with both hands. But his big comeback isn’t going smoothly. The film’s intense director, Peter (Adam Goldberg), is far from impressed with his performance, and Anthony is struggling to connect with his estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), who’s reentered his life at a critical moment.
As Anthony immerses himself in his role as Father Arlington, strange things start happening. What begins as an opportunity to resurrect his career soon spirals into something darker. His daughter suspects he’s falling back into old habits, but the truth is far more sinister: Anthony may actually be possessed by a demon. As the line between his character and his reality blurs, Anthony must face his inner demons—both figurative and very, very literal.
Review of The Exorcism
Here’s the thing about The Exorcism: it’s not your typical exorcism movie, and that’s both a strength and a weakness. Instead of focusing solely on supernatural scares, the film dives deep into Anthony’s personal struggles—his addictions, his fractured relationship with his daughter, and his attempt to rebuild his life. It’s more of a psychological drama wrapped in a horror shell, and that’s what makes it stand out.
Russell Crowe is, unsurprisingly, the movie’s biggest asset. He brings depth, vulnerability, and his signature gravitas to Anthony, making his personal battles feel raw and relatable. Whether he’s locking horns with the no-nonsense director or trying to reconnect with his daughter, Crowe owns every scene he’s in. And when the demon takes over, he turns on the menace with ease, reminding us why he’s still a powerhouse performer.
Ryan Simpkins also delivers a heartfelt performance as Lee, Anthony’s frustrated yet caring daughter. The father-daughter dynamic is one of the film’s highlights, giving the story an emotional core that sets it apart from other horror flicks. Adam Goldberg’s portrayal of the perfectionist director adds a bit of humor and chaos, while the supporting cast—including Chloe Bailey and David Hyde Pierce—rounds out the film nicely.
But where the drama succeeds, the horror stumbles. The supernatural elements feel underdeveloped and, at times, uninspired. The movie hints at a deeper backstory for Anthony and why the demon has targeted him, but it never fully explores those threads. Instead, it relies on familiar horror tropes—creepy shadows, flickering lights, and eerie whispers—which, while effective in small doses, don’t bring anything fresh to the table.
What’s more, the film’s pacing suffers in the final act. After an intriguing buildup, the climax devolves into a predictable, paint-by-numbers resolution that feels like it was pulled from the “Generic Horror Ending” playbook. It’s a shame, because the film’s earlier focus on character-driven drama hinted at something more original.
Visually, The Exorcism leans heavily on dark, claustrophobic settings to create a sense of unease. Almost every scene takes place in dimly lit spaces, which works well for the atmosphere but can feel a bit repetitive after a while.
Conclusion
The Exorcism is more of a psychological drama than a straight-up horror film, and that’s where it finds its strength. Russell Crowe delivers a compelling performance, and the film’s exploration of addiction, guilt, and redemption gives it emotional weight. However, as a horror movie, it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The scares are minimal, the supernatural elements lack depth, and the finale feels too familiar.
If you’re in the mood for a character-driven story with a sprinkle of horror, The Exorcism is worth a watch. Just don’t expect to be sleeping with the lights on afterward. Therefor we give it an rating of 3 out of 5 stars. ★★★☆☆
