Since its inception, horror has been a genre deeply rooted in exploring the dark and unexplainable facets of human existence. Few films have embodied this exploration as effectively as “The Exorcist,” a 1973 classic that has terrified and fascinated audiences for decades. Now, more than four decades later, “The Exorcist: Believer” emerges as a sequel, ready to carry on the legacy of its predecessor.
The Exorcist: Believer is a 2023 American supernatural horror film directed by David Gordon Green and written by Danny McBride and Scott Teams. It is the sequel to the 1973 film The Exorcist, and the fifth film in the Exorcist franchise. The film stars Leslie Odom Jr., Ellen Burstyn, and Ann Dowd.
The Exorcist: Believer: Cast
Leslie Odom Jr. as Father Chris MacNeil
In The Exorcist: Believer, Odom Jr. plays Father Chris MacNeil, a Jesuit priest and exorcist who is called upon to help a young girl who is possessed by a demon. MacNeil is a complex and conflicted character. He is a man of deep faith, but he has also been traumatized by his past experiences. When he is called upon to perform an exorcism on Angela Fielding, he must confront his own demons in order to save her.
Odom Jr. gives a powerful and nuanced performance as Father MacNeil. He brings a great deal of gravity and compassion to the role. He also has great chemistry with Ellen Burstyn, who plays Chris MacNeil.
Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil
In The Exorcist: Believer, Burstyn reprises her role as Chris MacNeil, the mother of Regan MacNeil, the girl who was possessed in the first film. Chris has now become a counselor to help other families who have experienced demonic possession.
Burstyn gives a powerful and moving performance as Chris MacNeil. She conveys the pain and grief of a mother who has lost her daughter, but she also shows the strength and resilience of a woman who has dedicated her life to helping others.
Ann Dowd as Mother Bernadette
In The Exorcist: Believer, Dowd plays Mother Bernadette, a Catholic nun and exorcist who is called upon to help Father MacNeil with the exorcism. Mother Bernadette is a tough and no-nonsense character. She is also a deeply religious woman who is committed to her faith.
Dowd gives a powerful and commanding performance as Mother Bernadette. She brings a great deal of intensity and conviction to the role. She also has great chemistry with Leslie Odom Jr.
Other Notable Cast Members
- Lidya Jewett as Angela Fielding- a young girl who is possessed by a demon.
- Olivia DeJonge as Katherine Rance- Angela’s friend who also becomes possessed by the demon.
- Ashley Graham as Erin Fielding- Angela’s mother.
- Daniel Kaluuya as Father Marcus Williams- A young priest who is training to become an exorcist.
- Raphael Sbarge as Monsignor Don Revans- A Catholic priest and the head of the diocese.
- Danny McCarthy as Stuart- A young priest who is assisting Father MacNeil with the exorcism.
- Okwui Okpokwasili as Dr. Beehive- A psychiatrist who is treating Angela.
- Tracey Graves as Sorenne Fielding- Victor’s ex-wife and Angela’s biological mother.
The cast of The Exorcist: Believer is uniformly excellent. Leslie Odom Jr., Ellen Burstyn, and Ann Dowd give powerful and nuanced performances in the lead roles. Lidya Jewett and Olivia DeJonge are also very good as the possessed girls. The supporting cast is also strong, with notable performances from Ashley Graham, Daniel Kaluuya, Raphael Sbarge, Danny McCarthy, Okwui Okpokwasili, and Tracey Graves.
The Exorcist: Believer: Storyline
The film opens with a flashback to 1982, when Father Chris MacNeil was a young priest. He is assigned to assist with the exorcism of a young girl named Regan MacNeil, who is possessed by a powerful demon. The exorcism is successful, but it leaves a deep scar on MacNeil’s psyche.
In the present day, MacNeil is a seasoned exorcist. He is called upon to help Angela Fielding, a young girl who is displaying disturbing signs of demonic possession. Angela’s father, Victor, is desperate to save his daughter, but he is also skeptical of MacNeil’s methods.
MacNeil begins the exorcism, but the demon is powerful and resists his attempts to cast it out. The demon also begins to torment Angela’s friend, Katherine Rance. MacNeil realizes that he needs help, and he calls upon Mother Bernadette, a renowned exorcist, to assist him.
Mother Bernadette arrives and begins to help MacNeil with the exorcism. However, the demon proves to be too powerful for them. The demon also begins to attack MacNeil and Bernadette, and it forces them to confront their own past demons.
With the help of Father Marcus Williams, a young priest who is training to become an exorcist, MacNeil and Bernadette are finally able to cast the demon out of Angela and Katherine. However, the exorcism takes a toll on MacNeil, and he begins to question his faith.
The Exorcist: Believer: Review
The Exorcist: Believer is a well-made and effective horror film. Director David Gordon Green creates a genuinely suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere. The film’s special effects are top-notch, and the performances are all excellent.
Leslie Odom Jr. is particularly good as Father Chris MacNeil. He brings a great deal of gravitas and compassion to the role. Ellen Burstyn is also excellent as Chris MacNeil, and she has great chemistry with Odom Jr.
Ann Dowd is also very good as Mother Bernadette. She brings a great deal of intensity and conviction to the role. Lidya Jewett and Olivia DeJonge are both very good as the possessed girls, and they deliver some truly chilling performances.
The film’s storyline is well-paced and engaging. The film does a good job of building suspense and tension, and the exorcism scenes are very effective.
Overall, The Exorcist: Believer is a solid sequel to the original film. It is a well-made and effective horror film with excellent performances.
Themes
The Exorcist: Believer explores a number of themes, including:
- Faith vs. Doubt: Father MacNeil must confront his own doubts about his faith in order to perform the exorcism.
- Good vs. Evil: The film represents a battle between good and evil, as Father MacNeil and Mother Bernadette fight to save Angela and Katherine from the demon.
- Family: The film also explores the importance of family, as Victor Fielding is desperate to save his daughter Angela.
Conclusion
The Exorcist: Believer is a well-made and effective horror film with excellent performances. It is a worthy sequel to the original film, and it is sure to please fans of the Exorcist franchise.
The film’s storyline is well-paced and engaging. The film does a good job of building suspense and tension, and the exorcism scenes are very effective. The film also explores some interesting themes, such as faith vs. doubt, good vs. evil, and family.
The cast of The Exorcist: Believer is uniformly excellent. Leslie Odom Jr., Ellen Burstyn, and Ann Dowd give powerful and nuanced performances in the lead roles. Lidya Jewett and Olivia DeJonge are also very good as the possessed girls. The supporting cast is also strong, with notable performances from Ashley Graham, Daniel Kaluuya, Raphael Sbarge, Danny McCarthy, Okwui Okpokwasili, and Tracey Graves.
Overall, The Exorcist: Believer is a solid sequel to the original film. It is a well-made and effective horror film with excellent performances.
Rating
Celebrity Hub give The Exorcist: Believer a rating of 6/10. It is a well-made and effective horror film with excellent performances. Although the film is quite disturbing and violent, the film thoroughly entertains and scares.
