The Exorcism: A Familiar yet Underwhelming Possession Story

Russell Crowe is no stranger to playing complex characters, and in his latest outing, The Exorcism, he takes on the role of Anthony Miller, a washed-up actor struggling with addiction and personal demons. But as he delves deeper into his latest role, he finds himself facing a very real and malevolent force that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.

Anthony Miller, a man possessed

The Exorcism is a familiar tale of demonic possession, but it’s one that tries to add a few twists to the formula. Crowe’s character is an actor playing a priest in a movie about demonic possession, and as he becomes more immersed in the role, he starts to experience strange and terrifying occurrences. It’s a clever conceit, but one that ultimately feels like a rehashing of familiar ideas.

One of the standout aspects of The Exorcism is its portrayal of addiction and its effects on those around us. Crowe’s character is a complex and flawed individual, and his struggles with addiction are deeply relatable. His daughter, Lee, played by Ryan Simpkins, is a sympathetic protagonist who is desperate to help her father overcome his demons. Their relationship is fraught with tension and emotion, and it’s clear that Simpkins is giving it her all in this role.

A daughter’s struggle

However, The Exorcism is also a film that relies heavily on jump scares, which can feel like a cheap trick to get a reaction from the audience. There are moments where the tension is palpable, but they’re often followed by a loud noise or sudden movement that feels like a cop-out. It’s a shame, because with a bit more subtlety and restraint, The Exorcism could have been a truly terrifying experience.

When the lights go out

In the end, The Exorcism feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a film that tries to tackle some big themes, but ultimately falls back on familiar tropes and scares. With a bit more creativity and originality, this could have been a truly memorable horror film. As it stands, it’s just another generic possession movie.

The Exorcism: a familiar tale