The Exorcism, Russell Crowe’s second exorcism horror film in as many years, centers on something I’ve always found fascinating…cursed film sets. It’s an idea that goes back at least to the 60s and, honestly, I’m sure much further. You can’t tell me that the Murnow didn’t attribute some funny goings ons during the filming of Nosferatu to some supernatural entity. The Omen, The Twilight Zone: The Movie, and of course The Exorcist are some of the higher profile “cursed” sets in history but trust that the lore goes so much deeper. This is the idea that The Exorcism explores to, at times, terrifying effect.
First thing we need to establish is that the film depicted as being made in this movie is a thinly veiled substitute for The Exorcist. You see, director/co-writer Joshua John Miller’s father, John Miller played Father Karas in that OG of Exorcism depictions. This film was inspired by stories he’d hear his father tell about the creepy things happening on set.
Crowe plays actor Anthony Miller who, after a divorce, multiple scandals and a side of alcoholism has seen his “in demand” days as a Hollywood A-lister dry up. Miller gets a rare bit of opportunity, playing what amounts to the Father Karas role in a new film. Now, anyone that’s familiar with this sub-genre knows that the devil likes to pick at your insecurities, something Miller has in spades. Not helping matters is his textbook “Hollywood” director (played by the wonderful Adam Goldberg) who thinks the best way to get Miller into character is by creepily whispering reminders of all of his failures in his ear. What follows is a series events that increasingly begs you to ask the question “What does it actually take to shut down a film production? Like, seriously?”
Saw what you will about Russell Crowe, he elevates any role he takes. This film could have easily been a direct to video release that held just another spot in the always increasing exorcism sub-genre but Crowe’s inclusion gives you something you want to see, his films may not always be great but they never leave you feeling short-changed. You can’t help but to wonder during some of Miller’s more reflective scenes whether there’s any of Crowe actually in there, seeing as he’s had his own struggles similar to the character in question.
Atmosphere is everything in films like this, and while Joshua Miller had a shortcut worked in seeing as how the films subjects were making a horror movie, it doesn’t cheapen the end result. There’s a claustrophobic feel to the sets, specifically during times of distress that amps the fear factor. I was honestly unsure of how Miller (director not character) would do with something like this that was supposed to bring real fear, he’s proven to be quite talented at the horror-comedy mix (The Final Girls is a treat if you haven’t seen it). I’m happy to say that while this film is far from perfect you can’t accuse it of not being scary. One thing I do have to applaud Josh Miller on, since I haven’t seen many reference it and it deserves it, is his part in one of the most cheesetastically great 80s movies of all time, Teen Witch. Seriously, if you don’t know what I’m talking about just search Tik Tok or YouTube for “Top That”.
While The Exorcism doesn’t come close to topping, or even matching, the classic its homages that doesn’t mean it’s not worth seeing. I mean, there’s only one Michael Jordan, that doesn’t mean you leave the other 4 on the bench. In the pantheon of exorcism horror over the last 20 years I’d put this firmly in the top 10. The scares are definitely there and though the story falls flat at times. There is a underdeveloped undercurrent that what you’re seeing may just be a result of Miller’s trauma and “process” as an actor, I always prefer committing one way or the other, either it’s happening or you lean much harder into the “if” of it all. One thing is for certain, when you finish watching this you’ll want to go right to the Shudder streaming channel and binge the entire series of Cursed Films, an amazing watch and pretty cool companion piece to this film.
