Horror fans left terrified by The Pope’s Exorcist ‘watch this movie only in daylight’ warning
- A new movie about demonic possession starring Russell Crowe has left viewers terrified
- The exorcism-based movie is said to stand out from others released recently
- Based on a true story, the movie has been condemned by real exorcists
When little Regan MacNeil spewed obscenities and green bile over a priest at her bedside, a horror movie movement began that has terrified audiences ever since.
When it opened in 1974, moviegoers, accustomed to extreme horror on screen, fainted and vomited on the spot.
Despite the outrage and conflict that followed, the Exorcist marked a pivotal moment in horror. Redefining the genre, it is considered one of the most iconic horror movies ever made.
And half a century later, a new film about demonic possession is giving moviegoers sleepless nights.
The Exorcist premiered in 1973 and was based on the book of the same name. It starred Max von Sydow, Ellen Burstyn, and a young Linda Blair as Regan (above), a child possessed by the demon Pazuzu.
The film, which was released earlier this year, scored well at the box office and has currently grossed $52 million worldwide.
The film rivals other exorcism films released in recent years, such as ‘Prey for the Devil’ (2022) and ‘Evil Dead Rise’ (2023).
Many praise director Julius Avery’s take on the horror subgenre. An IMDb reviewer said, ‘It manages to stand out among most who have touched the subject. The film follows the Vatican’s lead exorcist, Gabriele Amorth, as he investigates the possession of a child and eventually uncovers a secret that the Vatican has kept for years.
Some horror fans who have seen this film in theaters have admitted to being terrified.
One person said, ‘Have seen The Pope’s Exorcist and mate let me tell you, it will fuck your head and give you the horror feeling and not the jumpy kind which is worse. I suggest looking at it during the day.’
Commenting below Sony’s released trailer, a YouTuber said, “I’m a huge fan of horror movies, but this was the only movie I had a hard time with. My fingers went numb, I got terrible chills, I was sweating.’
Another said: ‘It gave me the jitters and chills. This is on the level of Emily Rose’s Exorcism.”
While one user claimed it was one of the best exorcism movies ever.
One Twitter user said, “The Pope’s Exorcist looks like the best exorcist horror I’ve seen since the Paranormal Activity franchise.”
Russel Crowe (right) plays Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s lead exorcist, inspired by a working exorcist who died in 2016
The film has been condemned by the International Association of Exorcists (IEA) for being ‘unreliable’ and ‘pretentious’
Daniel Zovatto (left) plays Father Esquibel plays Gabriele Amorth’s (Russell Crow, right) apprentice who is initially called to help a boy experiencing possession
The Pope’s Exorcist is based on a true story, the movie posters read: “Inspired by the factual files of Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s chief exorcist.”
Crowe’s performance as the lead exorcist has caught the attention of critics and fans alike, with many eager to see the sequel in development.
But according to the Guardian, the International Association of Exorcists denounced the plot, calling it “pretentious” and “unreliable splatter.”
The Pope’s Exorcist is currently available to purchase or rent on Digital, Sony has announced the film will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in mid-June.