Introduction:
The horror genre has always held a peculiar fascination with the subject of possession, with the 1973 classic "The Exorcist" standing as a definitive piece of cinema. Directed by William Friedkin, the original film adapted from William Peter Blatty’s novel became one of the most talked-about horror films in history. Fast forward to 2023, and David Gordon Green, hot off his success with the "Halloween" reboot, returns to direct "The Exorcist: Believer" an official sequel to the original film. While anticipation was high, the movie treads a complicated path, merging modern horror sensibilities with an iconic past. Let's dive into the strengths and shortcomings of "The Exorcist: Believer".
Plot Summary:
"The Exorcist: Believer" centers on Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr.), a father whose life changes forever after his daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) and her friend Katherine (Olivia Marcum) vanish into the woods. When the girls return after a few days with no memory of their experience, it soon becomes clear that something supernatural is at play. Unexplained events begin to unfold, and the girls exhibit disturbing behavior. Victor turns to Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), the mother from the original film, for guidance, as she has experienced these horrors firsthand.
Themes and Tone:
The film explores similar themes of faith, spirituality, and the eternal battle between good and evil that made the original such a landmark. One of the key elements "The Exorcist: Believer" attempts to delve into is the psychological impact of possession and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. However, while these themes are foundational to the horror genre, "Believer" struggles to reinvent them in a way that feels fresh or innovative.
Unlike the visceral horror of the original, Green takes a more subdued approach in terms of scare tactics. The film does maintain a gloomy, eerie tone throughout, relying heavily on atmosphere rather than overtly shocking moments. This works in its favor during the initial stages of the narrative but falls short when it comes to delivering the spine-tingling fear associated with *The Exorcist* franchise.
Performances:
Leslie Odom Jr. delivers a grounded, emotional performance as Victor Fielding, a father grappling with the terrifying idea of losing his daughter. Odom’s nuanced portrayal of a desperate parent, willing to risk everything, gives the film some of its most touching moments. His character represents the emotional anchor of the film, lending it a sense of gravitas.
Ellen Burstyn’s return as Chris MacNeil is one of the more anticipated elements of the film, but her role, sadly, feels underused. Given her iconic status in the original, her appearance here serves more as fan service than a meaningful contribution to the narrative. While it’s nostalgic to see her again, her storyline could have been more intricately woven into the movie's thematic fabric.
The young actresses, Lidya Jewett and Olivia Marcum, give commendable performances, especially considering the disturbing material they have to work with. Their portrayal of possessed individuals is both chilling and heartbreaking, even if the script doesn't always provide them with enough complexity to explore.
Direction and Visuals:
David Gordon Green’s direction is serviceable, though he struggles with balancing homage to the original film and charting new territory. His camera work is clean and precise, and there are moments of tension that genuinely build suspense, particularly in the scenes set in enclosed spaces, like Angela’s room or the church. The use of lighting and shadow adds an additional layer of unease, but the film falls short in terms of imaginative horror sequences. Unlike the original’s notorious head-spinning scene, there’s no singular moment that becomes unforgettable.
Visually, "The Exorcist: Believer" is a slick production with polished special effects, though it never pushes boundaries the way the original did. There are eerie visuals aplenty, from disturbing makeup effects to contorted bodies, but these feel like well-worn horror tropes rather than groundbreaking moments.
Weaknesses and Shortcomings:
One of the major issues with "The Exorcist: Believer" is its reliance on formulaic horror elements. While there are certainly unsettling moments, the film rarely ventures outside the box to challenge the audience. Its pacing, too, is uneven. The build-up of tension in the first half doesn't pay off as strongly in the second half, where the exorcism scenes lack the punch that made the original so terrifying.
Additionally, the film grapples with an overabundance of ideas. By attempting to incorporate multiple perspectives on faith (including different religious traditions), the film spreads itself thin, leaving viewers with too many underdeveloped plot threads. In an effort to differentiate itself from typical possession films, "Believer" introduces some intriguing ideas but fails to follow through on them in a satisfying way.