The Exorcist: Believer is a legacy sequel that had us intrigued and, well, a tad disappointed. While it attempted to conjure the spirit of its iconic predecessor, it left us feeling like we were stuck in a theological mosh pit without a clear beat.
The story takes us from Haiti to Georgia, where Victor Fielding (played by Leslie Odom Jr.) grapples with faith, loss, and a teenager named Angela (Lidya Jewett) who seems to have a not-so-welcome demon hitchhiker. It’s a rollercoaster of a ride from seances to sudden exorcisms.
Ann Dowd shines as the neighbor turned impromptu exorcist nurse, and Ellen Burstyn’s reprisal of Chris MacNeil adds a nostalgic touch, even though her character’s brief moments leave you wanting more.
The demon itself, played by Lize Johnston, occasionally makes you wonder if it’s trying to be scary or auditioning for a villain role in a low-budget horror flick. It’s a bit like a ‘70s metal band trying to make a comeback, but the world has moved on to pop.
As the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that the movie is struggling to decide which genre it wants to be. Is it a psychological thriller, a supernatural horror, or a heartfelt family drama? At times, it’s like watching a mismatched medley of movie cliches – there’s everything from exorcisms to cross-stabbings.
Now, about that ecumenical exorcism dream team – you have a Baptist pastor, a Pentecostal preacher, and a rootwork healer. They sound like the setup for a joke. A priest, a preacher, and a healer walk into a barn…
In the end, The Exorcist: Believer is a bit like a soufflé that didn’t quite rise to the occasion. It’s not a complete disaster, but it doesn’t quite possess the magic of the original. It’s a supernatural showdown that leaves you craving a more satisfying resolution. So, we’ll give it a 5/10 – a commendable attempt, but it couldn’t quite banish the mediocrity demons.
Rating: 5 Itzies 🌟