In The Last Exorcism, a documentary crew joins a highly charismatic Louisiana minister to film his last exorcism, a calling he inherited from his father. Having only used exorcism as a psychological and therapeutic tool, he admittedly employs illusions to "trick" the possessed and their families and give them peace of mind, but has come to a decision to renounce the act altogether. His last go-round won't be a simple matter of hocus pocus, as he finds himself dealing with a broken home, a psychotic girl, her deranged father, and other malignant elements.
Supernatural and demonic thrillers have a habit of coming up short if unique characters and situations aren't presented within the first 30 minutes and sustained throughout. Exorcism avoids this shortcoming with some outstanding performances from the lead character and the girl he is forced to try saving, and an interesting format. The first half of the film is highly entertaining, with the Reverend showing off his tricks of the trade while also making it clear that he's both a devoted man of God and a well grounded man of Reason, with nothing but good intentions. As a very likable character, he is a rarity in supernatural horror. I will admit I didn't know who Patrick Fabian is (despite his countless acting credits, I'm ignorant to television), but I am well aware now. He hits a home run in this role.
Nell is played perfectly as a believable home schooled daughter of a devout but deeply troubled Christian. Her character is not overly polished or sensational, which adds to the realism of the film.
The realism of the film is what makes the questionable ending work, and lays a good groundwork of suspense. Most of the activities involve using well informed reason to explain the girls' strange actions, even as the movie begins to go down darker and darker paths. This makes Exorcism an interesting exploration of taboo subjects, shame, and superstition. Most supernatural films instead use a tired and ineffective trope: the stock psychiatrist/therapist that the haunted/possessed is forced to see, without giving depth to the professional or the experience as a whole.
I do wish the end could have at least been explored more and toned down a bit (the fire thing was a bit over the top), if it wasn't going to be more in line with the approach taken with the rest of the story. However, it provides some shocks that are satisfying in spite of overindulgence.
Over all, a very good movie about realistic human experiences and demons as well. Highly recommended.
Supernatural and demonic thrillers have a habit of coming up short if unique characters and situations aren't presented within the first 30 minutes and sustained throughout. Exorcism avoids this shortcoming with some outstanding performances from the lead character and the girl he is forced to try saving, and an interesting format. The first half of the film is highly entertaining, with the Reverend showing off his tricks of the trade while also making it clear that he's both a devoted man of God and a well grounded man of Reason, with nothing but good intentions. As a very likable character, he is a rarity in supernatural horror. I will admit I didn't know who Patrick Fabian is (despite his countless acting credits, I'm ignorant to television), but I am well aware now. He hits a home run in this role.
Nell is played perfectly as a believable home schooled daughter of a devout but deeply troubled Christian. Her character is not overly polished or sensational, which adds to the realism of the film.
The realism of the film is what makes the questionable ending work, and lays a good groundwork of suspense. Most of the activities involve using well informed reason to explain the girls' strange actions, even as the movie begins to go down darker and darker paths. This makes Exorcism an interesting exploration of taboo subjects, shame, and superstition. Most supernatural films instead use a tired and ineffective trope: the stock psychiatrist/therapist that the haunted/possessed is forced to see, without giving depth to the professional or the experience as a whole.
I do wish the end could have at least been explored more and toned down a bit (the fire thing was a bit over the top), if it wasn't going to be more in line with the approach taken with the rest of the story. However, it provides some shocks that are satisfying in spite of overindulgence.
Over all, a very good movie about realistic human experiences and demons as well. Highly recommended.