The Exorcist (2023) Believer Review: A Frantic Reimagining That Struggles to Possess the Soul of the Original

The Exorcist: Believer – A Frantic Dance Between Darkness and Devotion, Lost in the Shadows of a Horror Classic

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In the shadow of William Friedkin's iconic masterpiece, "The Exorcist," David Gordon Green attempts a daring feat with "The Exorcist: Believer." A half-century later, Green revisits the realm of demonic possession, doubling the malevolence and tripling the faiths in this frenzied sequel. However, despite the well-intentioned efforts, the film struggles to recapture the chilling essence of the original, delivering a reimagining that feels both too busy and strangely uninvolving.

A Bloated Sequel with Diminished Impact

"The Exorcist: Believer" follows Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr.) and his daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett), whose lives are disrupted when Angela and her friend Katherine (Olivia O’Neill) return from the woods displaying alarming behavior after a mysterious encounter. The film delves into a tangled web of possession, faith, and exorcism, amplifying the stakes but losing the soul of the narrative in the process. While the young cast showcases commendable performances, the film’s attempts to expand on the original’s themes feel forced and lacking in depth.

Cautious Innovation and Missed Opportunities

While modern horror reboots often tread cautiously, "Believer" feels disappointingly timid. Instead of delving into the profound themes of puberty, religion, and bodily affliction that made the original a cult classic, the film opts for superficial tinkering, altering minor elements without substantial impact. Green’s decision to switch the gender of the evil entity, while attempting to challenge stereotypes, fails to add significant depth to the narrative, leaving viewers wanting more substance.

Moments of Brilliance Amidst Mediocrity

Despite its shortcomings, "Believer" isn’t without its merits. Ann Dowd and Ellen Burstyn inject moments of brilliance into the film, breathing life into their characters. However, Burstyn’s inclusion feels narratively forced, unable to salvage the diluted familial pain the new film attempts to portray. Green’s earlier works showcased patience and sensitivity, qualities now overshadowed by recycled ideas and missed opportunities for genuine innovation.

Body and the blood. #TheExorcistBeliever October 2023. pic.twitter.com/1A17aphBlZ

— The Exorcist: Believer (@TheExorcistBlvr) July 25, 2023

Conclusion: A Lackluster Attempt at Resurrecting a Horror Classic

"The Exorcist: Believer" struggles to find its footing amidst the weight of its iconic predecessor. While the film boasts professional execution and commendable performances, it fails to capture the essence that made "The Exorcist" a landmark in horror cinema. Green’s nostalgic return to past successes feels more like a half-hearted tribute than a genuine attempt to push the boundaries of the genre.

As audiences brace themselves for the planned continuation of this recycled saga in "The Exorcist: Deceiver," there’s a lingering hope that the franchise will rediscover its spine-chilling roots and deliver a genuinely terrifying experience. Until then, "Believer" remains a missed opportunity, an uninspired sequel in the shadow of a horror legacy that continues to haunt our collective nightmares.

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