Russell Crowe as real-life exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth in The Pope’s Exorcist (Image: Youtube/ Sony Pictures Entertainment)
A chilling horror film featuring a renowned Hollywood star has been lauded as a ‘classic’ that ‘keeps you on the edge of your seat’, and it’s airing on Film4 tonight.
The Pope’s Exorcist, which hit the big screen in 2023, is a spine-tingling thriller starring Russell Crowe. He portrays Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s chief exorcist, who delves into a petrifying case of possession involving a young boy in Spain.
Drawing from Amorth’s actual case files, the film traces his struggle against a formidable demon while unveiling a centuries-old conspiracy concealed by the Vatican.
While the plot and characters are fictionalised, the film, based on Father Gabriele Amorth’s books An Exorcist Tells His Story (1990) and An Exorcist: More Stories (1992), encapsulates the essence of the battle between good and evil that Father Amorth staunchly believed in.
On Rotten Tomatoes, this horror flick garnered a decent score of 51 percent from reviews, but it received glowing praise from many who urged others to give it a watch, reports the Mirror.
Russell Crowe plays the lead role (Image: Sony Pictures)
One review said: « The movie has the classic 1980s horror feel, but with a modern filming. Which makes sense as it is set in 1987. Great movie that keeps the viewer entertained and engaged. Great Saturday night movie. »
Another reviewer wrote: « An exorcism film that keeps you hooked on the plot unlike other horror films. Just a couple inconsistencies with the environment but over all 100% recommend. I would love to watch a series based on the ending.
« Amazing movie. Haven’t had such a captivating experience with a movie watched on a streaming service for a very long time. Of course, the leading role being played by the one and only Russel Crowe helped a lot., » one viewer added.
Russell Crowe in a scene from The Pope’s Exorcist (Image: Youtube/ Sony Pictures Entertainment)
Another said: « All in all, I would recommend this movie – it was engaging, had great cinematography, great acting and a storyline that made you want to do your own research, to learn more – it made you curious. Great movie – would have also loved a cinema experience, since the sound effects and visuals were impressive. »
A third posted: « Really captivating film, keeps you on the edge of your seat. The storyline and plot is thrilling despite what critics say. really good movie! ».
« I quite enjoyed the movie. It was a little bit corny but bearable. I think that Russell Crowe gave a fantastic performance, » a fourth viewer shared.
A fifth said: « This movie was great. It’s exactly what one could want in an exorcism movie: it’s entertaining, it offers something new, and it’s creepy. I rarely get to see men of the cloth in Catholic-themed movies show introspection on their failings.
« My only complaint is that they were relying too heavily on the shock value of horrific words and concepts coming from the mouth of a child. It grew tedious. Anyone who enjoys another entry into horror and exorcist vaults will love this. »
The Pope’s Exorcist airs on Thursday 5 February at 9pm on Film4.
