The Exorcist: Believer is the long-awaited continuation of the franchise that no one asked for
“The Exorcist: Believer” is the latest installment in the Exorcist franchise, and it’s safe to say that it falls short of the high expectations that fans of the series might have had. This film manages to be both a bland entry in the franchise and a forgettable horror flick in its own right.
“Franchise” may not even be the right term as all the other movies in the “franchise” vaguely connect to the original and none of them (including Believer) hold a candle, or cross for that matter, to the original. The only one that is halfway interesting, is The Exorcist III, which only seems to be appreciated by the hardcore horror fan.
The plot follows the standard exorcism movie formula with a premise that is as clichéd as it gets, and the movie doesn’t attempt to offer any fresh or innovative spin on it. We’ve seen this story play out countless times before, and “Exorcist: Believer” doesn’t do much to distinguish itself from the competition.
For a horror movie, it’s shockingly slow, with long stretches of exposition and dialogue that do little to build suspense or tension. The first half of the film is particularly sluggish, and it’s a real struggle to stay engaged.
There are moments where it seems like it will become an intense film, but it never quite achieves the goal it claims to conquer in its marketing.
A slow burn can work in many horror movies, but in this case, it is more of a no burn.
The story makes a solid attempt to re-introduce and connect characters from the original, while trying to tell its own story, but ultimately, too many characters, an attempt at fan service, and a forced plot, take the wind out of Believer’s sails.
The dialogue is often wooden and uninspired, with characters spouting off clichés and predictable one-liners. There’s a distinct lack of meaningful character development, and the story’s resolution is rushed and unsatisfying. It’s clear that the filmmakers prioritize style over substance, resulting in a lackluster viewing experience.
On a positive note, the special effects used to depict the possession and the exorcism itself are decent. They create a few visually striking moments, but they can’t compensate for the film’s overall lack of originality and depth.
With a generic plot, uninspiring performances, and a lack of genuine scares, it fails to live up to the legacy of the original. While it may provide some fleeting moments of entertainment for die-hard horror fans, it ultimately feels like a cash-grab attempt to capitalize on a beloved franchise’s name, as “The Exorcist: Believer” just doesn’t possess the charm or substance to make it a worthwhile entry in the series.
Rollo’s Grade: C-
