The Exorcist (1973)

When a 12 year-old girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her.

Jess’ Review

After reading Paul Tremblay’s A Head Full Of Ghosts, I had an itching to revisit one of the scariest films of all-time, The Exorcist.

Another classic of the horror genre, The Exorcist is based off the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty. It’s a film shrouded in taboo and bad omens, from extensive issues in the filming process to the extreme reception of horrified audiences. It was, at a time, banned in several counties for its frightening imagery, and yet revisiting it in 2020 its hard to grasp how truly groundbreaking this film was. It highlights just how desensitised audiences have become to violence and horror in the modern age. But whilst The Exorcist is somewhat dated, I defy anyone to say it’s not a scary film.

It’s a slow start. The film builds tension at a painstaking pace, taking time to properly delve into the cast and their origins before there’s even a whiff of demonic entities. It’s important, of course, and I respect the care taken in building this world. And yet, we’re all here for the same reason. We want to be scared, we want to be horrified and everyone knows what’s coming. I felt a twang of impatience getting there, but when it finally comes the film is transformed.

Gory, vulgar and uncomfortable. Even for a film released in the seventies, The Exorcist’s effects hold up well to today’s standards. The image of possessed Reagan is iconic and grotesque, as Linda Blair delivers the role with frightening intensity. The scenes that stick with you most of course concern the exorcism finale and for me a deeply unsettling moment with a crucifix. They’re shocking, brutal and set to a soundtrack of gritty profanity from a child. (Though voiced by Mercedes McCambridge, which is a fascinating story on its own.) Whilst I admit some moments made me chuckle, for the most part I felt wholly uncomfortable.

Whilst the film has aged, there is no questioning it’s position as one of the genre’s greats. Unsettling, horrific and quite realistic in its slow-descent into chaos, it’s iconic for a reason. Visually arresting with the haunting Tubular Bells constantly ringing in your eyes long after the credits roll, The Exorcist is the original possession movie. It’s haunting, disconcerting and hugely enjoyable.

8/10