Hollywood movie ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ starring Leslie Odom Jr., Lidya Jewett, Olivia O’Neill was released Worldwide on October 6, 2023.
Fifty years after “The Witcher’s” groundbreaking, it is impossible to eliminate the devil who appears just on Halloween. What has changed is that it is no longer the 1970s, when director William Friedkin could get away with scenes that left the audience in physical distress, including girls obsessed with masturbating to a crucifix.
No such thing happens in Believer, which is closer to our politically correct times. That’s not a bad thing, but it also makes it a fairly run-of-the-mill film about evil spirits and how to get rid of them – until next Halloween, of course.
Sequel
As a “direct sequel” to the 1973 original – which is how the franchise abounds these days – Believer carries a heavier burden than the other five The Witcher installments anyway. It scores points by being helmed by director David Gordon Green, who is fresh off of a sequel to another 70s hit, Halloween. And for good measure, Believer gets a very sullen Burstyn to reprise her role from 1973, though she largely exists here only in spirit.
In the battle for heart and soul, as well as “flesh and blood” (representing Jesus), the believer gets the first part right. After an opening tap in which Victor (Odom Jr) loses his very pregnant wife to what is probably the big earthquake in Haiti – why Haiti and why this woman is traveling in her condition is another matter – we come 13 years later. The child who survived the disaster is now a querulous, slightly rebellious pre-teen, Angela (Jewett), and her battle with her troubled father is captured nicely.
A secret seance later, Angela disappears with her girlfriend Katherine (O’Neill), leaving Victor and his parents – Miranda (Nettles) and Stuart (McCarthy) – in the lurch. Again, Green captures their sense of confusion well, including the parents’ immediate instinct to believe that the other side probably doesn’t know enough about their daughter. Telling detail: Victor has to look in the school book to get the number for Katherine’s parents while Miranda has them all on her phone. Ask any mother, and you’ll know it’s parenting difference 101.
It’s the simple details like that, including the sequence where the girls are found, come home, and start doing their devilish things at first, that make Believer stand out. Dowd as the concerned sister-in-law Ann is quite comforting. But when all hell breaks loose, all hell breaks loose. And heaven is too long for that.
With the weight of time hanging on him, the Believer also tries to be everything. It is not only about the Catholic Church but also about African mystical rituals. It is not only about believing in Jesus but also about believing in your child. It is not only about the Roman-approved priest but also about the family and the community. It’s not just about dads in clothes; it’s also about sisters in habits.
Related Stories:
NASA Confirms Launch Date for Its Massive Moon Rocket
China Takes Incredible Close Up Shot of Mars’ Moon Phobos
Sonam Bajwa: Acting and Dressing the Fashion Supernova
Nora Fatehi Dazzles in Bold Red Saree, Viral Video Sets Screens Ablaze! Watch
Shanaya Kapoor’s Mirror Magic: A Sizzling Ramp Walk Leaves Netizens in Awe
Maria Guardiola stuns with a spectacular bikini pose
Photos: Zendaya dazzles in a saree, Tom Holland looks dapper in black suit at NMACC event
Mannara Chopra and Munawar Faruqui Kiss – Actress Responds, No Truth to Claims of Kissing
