In Joshua John Miller’s “The Exorcism,” Russell Crowe portrays Anthony Miller, an actor and recovering addict unexpectedly cast as a priest battling demons. As he delves into the role, guided by a relentless director (played by Adam Goldberg), Miller confronts both personal and supernatural “demons.” The film blurs the lines between fiction and reality, drawing inspiration from the iconic horror classic, “The Exorcist.”

Themes and Character Development:

Meta-Psychological Thriller: “The Exorcism” transcends traditional horror. While eerie events unfold, it primarily explores psychological tension rather than outright scares.

Redemption and Personal Struggles: Crowe’s portrayal allows him to redeem himself after a lackluster performance in “The Pope’s Exorcist.”

Father-Daughter Bond: Ryan Simpkins shines as Lee Miller, Anthony’s concerned daughter.

Director’s Style and Technical Aspects:

Adam Goldberg’s Direction: Goldberg embodies a ruthless director who prioritizes the work over the well-being of his actors.

Visuals and Atmosphere: The film visually echoes “The Exorcist,” capturing the eerie happenings during its original filming.

Subtle Horror: While not conventionally scary, the film maintains an unsettling atmosphere.

Strengths:

• Unique Approach: “The Exorcism” blends horror with meta-commentary, offering a fresh perspective.
• Crowe’s Performance: Russell Crowe delivers depth and substance, elevating the film.
• Visual Homage: Pays homage to the classic while adding its own twist.

Weaknesses:

• Lack of Genuine Horror: The film doesn’t reach the intense horror levels expected from an exorcism-themed movie.
• Narrative Confusion: Some plot elements remain unclear, affecting overall coherence.

Recommendation: The Exorcism 2024

The Exorcism is an ambitious attempt at reinventing horror. While it doesn’t fully succeed, its unique premise and Crowe’s performance make it worth a watch for fans of psychological thrillers.