“Exorcist: The Believer” offers a fresh take on the classic exorcism story, presenting a modern touch to a tale that began in the 1970s. Directed by David Gordon Green, the film is a direct sequel to the original “Exorcist” which was hailed as one of the most successful and significant horror films of all time—the kind that will “scare you to the bones.” “Exorcist: The Believer,” however, takes a different turn.
The film begins with the mysterious disappearance of Angela and her friend Katherine, only for them to return three days later with no recollection of what happened. It takes a gripping turn as the girls display strange behaviors. Angela, somehow imitating “Linda Blair” from the original film, suddenly hears voices and bears scars on her abdomen. Katherine on the other hand had an ‘allergy’ to the church. That’s when the “horror” for each of their families began.
This ‘Exorcist’ film explored the themes of ‘belief’ and ‘faith.’ Angela’s father, Victor, was initially skeptical but ended up seeking help from a woman who had witnessed exorcism rites. The characters have accepted that there’s a higher being who can help them get out of the situation. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of “community” in the face of evil. Religious representatives with different practices joined forces in the film to confront the demonic presence affecting the children.
All in all, “Exorcist: The Believer” modernizes the classic ‘exorcism story.’ Main reason? It did not prioritize to shock or frighten the audience. Ultimately, it lacks the ‘intensity’ that made the original impactful. The language and gestures were evidently toned down. More than a horror film, it felt like a family drama. We can say that it is curated for today’s market, opting for a more familiar approach, eliciting good morale.
While the film may not be the scariest in the genre, it successfully blended elements of horror with a compelling family drama. Calling it a “sequel” may be, one could say, unnecessary as it doesn’t have a strong connection with the original film. However, it still qualifies as a good “Exorcist” film as it provides a contemporary perspective on age-old themes of belief, faith, and evil.
The Exorcist: Believer is now showing in Philippine cinemas.
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