The Exorcist

One of the classics in the field of horror and I’m happy to say it absolutely deserves that title. Just an insanely entertaining but also fascinating movie from start to finish the way so many themes collide with this supernatural atmosphere created. The film balances so many messages at once throughout the film and somehow they still all feel contrived and concise enough to get through clearly which is nothing short of impressive. The movie actually is very disturbing as well with the images and atmospheres in scenes it creates, constantly giving you a sense of dread. The performances as well are amazing from specifically Ellen Burstyn and Jason miller, but also even the kid actor.  One of the first reasons I want to dive deep into on why this film works so well is because of how of a masterclass In pacing it is. The film’s flip between characters gives you a perfect sense of all the character’s scopes of circumstances and current situation which gives you a certain feel and understanding of how they may react when the terror unfolds. The exposition also does give you an interesting insight into the church as well and the struggle behind the weight of being a priest, having to deal with so many people’s broken lives and spirits of trauma and suffering.  The film truly throughout, especially in the second half never lets off the gas as we see this little girl is possessed. It never waste a fame, scene or waits to give you insight. through the means of supernatural demon horror it ask the biggest questions and poses many thoughts about religion, our morals, and how evil attacks the most vulnerable spirits. The film does at time build a sense of mystery around the possession but at the same time everything starts to make sense when you consider how this girl has an attachment to abandonment and being neglected by her Father which opens up a gateway for evil to strike because it sees a powerless heart.  Beyond the girl Reagan however, I think one of the most important and interesting characters of the movie is Damien. His character and everything around it, subtly resembles so many themes like how sometimes we have to carry the weight of people’s trauma and the question of just how powerful is religion. One thing the storyline took on In the exposition is whether Reagans troubles of spasm were a mental illness or some demonic figure. While they were definitely demonic, they’re was a way to believe they weren’t because of how celestial and demonic beings are at times beyond our human comprehension which is exactly what this film shows with everyone’s uncertainty and denial on what the case may be with this girl. That’s the genius of this movie. Constantly wiring supernatural, grim horror world into the concept of religion and pure morality’s battle with evil demons trying to attack the weakest links of our spirits with trauma, pain, isolation and so much more. Even if you don’t believe in real demons, the emotions and feelings of self doubt, sadness, hopelessness and all else cynical are demons themselves, waiting to strike at the perfect time.  To put it plainly, a very masterful achievement for the genre and raised the bar for not just what supernatural horror can do, but also just horror in general. Probably the most influential horror film I’ve come across so far that is easy to tell inspired a generation of horror stories and filmmakers to come. Movie just does so many things at once with creating this vastly unsettling and eerie setting from the effects, sounds and everything while keeping the importance of the deep subtle message the film brings alive through it all.