The pope's exorcist- Movie Review

The film "The Pope's Exorcist" claims to be based on the real-life experiences of the late Father Gabriele Amorth, who served as the head exorcist of the Diocese of Rome for 30 years. The film is backed by the non-profit production arm of the Jesuit research university Loyola Marymount, with Loyola rector Father Edward J. Siebert among its executive producers. However, the film is actually a work of fiction, inspired by Amorth's work, and follows the same demonic-possession horror film formula as "The Exorcist." The film centers on an American teen possessed by an ancient minion of Satan, and a priest called to clear up the mess. While the script adheres to expectations, Russell Crowe's portrayal of Father Amorth brings the right balance of gruff, paternalistic credibility and wry, self-mocking irony to the film. The setting, a murky, rubble-strewn Gothic playground, is splendidly imagined by production designer Alan Gilmore. The film's final showdown between good and evil is hilariously gaudy and features some churchy, borderline-camp pyrotechnics, aided by artfully dank lensing and shrieking ceremonials.

As an outsider to the world of Catholic exorcism, it’s hard to say how accurately "The Pope’s Exorcist" reflects the actual practices and beliefs of the church. But it’s clear that the film is more interested in genre conventions than in faithful representation. From the ominous music cues to the over-the-top demonic possession effects, every beat of the story feels like a familiar horror trope.

And yet, for all its predictability, the film manages to be entertaining in its own right. The script, while formulaic, is well-paced and sprinkled with enough humor and self-awareness to keep the audience engaged. The performances are solid, with Crowe in particular providing a touch of gravitas to the proceedings. And the production design and visual effects are impressive, creating a suitably spooky atmosphere that feels appropriate for a movie about demonic possession.

At the same time, it’s worth acknowledging the problematic nature of this particular subgenre of horror. For one thing, it’s deeply rooted in Catholic mythology, which can be alienating for non-Christian viewers. For another, it tends to portray mental illness as demonic possession, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and stigmatizing those who suffer from mental health issues.

Moreover, the idea of exorcism itself is controversial. While the Catholic Church still officially recognizes exorcism as a legitimate practice, many skeptics and critics have raised concerns about the ethics and efficacy of the procedure. There have been numerous instances of people being harmed or even killed during attempted exorcisms, and some have argued that the practice is more about superstition and control than about actually helping people.

All of this raises questions about the responsibility of filmmakers who choose to make movies about exorcism. Are they contributing to the stigmatization of mental illness and the perpetuation of harmful myths? Or are they simply tapping into a rich vein of horror storytelling that has been around for centuries?

Of course, there’s no easy answer to these questions. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual viewer to decide how they feel about exorcism as a subject matter for horror movies. For some, the genre may be a harmless thrill, a way to indulge in supernatural scares without taking them too seriously. For others, it may be deeply troubling and offensive.

One thing that's clear, though, is that "The Pope's Exorcist" is a well-crafted example of the genre, even if it doesn't break any new ground. It's a movie that knows exactly what it is and what its audience wants, and it delivers on those expectations. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is up to you to decide.

In terms of its storytelling, "The Pope's Exorcist" certainly isn't breaking any new ground, and its reliance on tried-and-true horror tropes can be a little tedious at times. However, there's no denying the film's energy and its commitment to delivering its horror thrills with plenty of style and panache. Julius Avery has a good eye for striking visuals and atmospheric set pieces, and he gets solid performances from his cast, especially Russell Crowe, who brings a welcome sense of gravitas and humor to his role as the gruff but ultimately compassionate exorcist.

At the end of the day, "The Pope's Exorcist" may not be the most original or groundbreaking horror movie out there, but it's a fun, well-crafted piece of genre filmmaking that will satisfy horror fans looking for a few good scares. Its blend of religiosity and campy horror may not be to everyone's taste, but those who appreciate the mix will find much to enjoy in this over-the-top and entertaining film.