“The Exorcist: Believer” resurrects the iconic horror franchise half a century after it first sent chills down our spines. With the added allure of a returning Ellen Burstyn at the age of 90, this film taps into nostalgia, to elevate an otherwise slow-burning narrative. While it maintains an eerie sense of dread, the movie stumbles somewhat in its climactic act, leaving it in a peculiar middle ground between modern horror expectations and paying homage to its roots.
Moreover, Ellen Burstyn’s extended cameo as Chris MacNeil, the author who survived the original ordeal, offers a compelling link to the past. And Victor (Leslie Odom, Jr.), the frantic father raising his 13-year-old daughter Angela (Lydia Jewett) alone after losing her mother at birth, reluctantly seeks Chris’ help. Then the story takes a dark turn when Angela and her friend Katherine (Olivia O’Neill) venture into the woods in an attempt to contact her late mother, only to return with increasingly bizarre and disturbing behavior.
“The Exorcist: Believer” introduces a talented cast of African-American actors, injecting fresh energy into the franchise. Furthermore, the film successfully delivers suspense and jump scares, amplified by Burstyn’s presence at the age of 90. It remains true to the core theme of the original – the timeless battle between good and evil. In many ways, “The Exorcist: Believer” lives up to the expectations set by its predecessors, offering the same spine-tingling experience that has become synonymous with the franchise.
While the industry’s reliance on reboots and remakes may be viewed as a tired trend, this film at least appoints a dedicated caretaker to breathe new life into the classic tale. For those who appreciate the revival of beloved franchise movies, “The Exorcist: Believer” is a worthy addition that captures the essence of its predecessors. Last, If you’re a fan of the horror genre, a trip to the theaters to experience this film is well worth it. It continues to instill that unsettling feeling, leaving audiences shaken to their core as they exit the theater.
I give this film a 3 out of 5 star rating….
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