The visual effects are a mixed bag. The demon’s final form is a bit too CGI-heavy, but the practical possession makeup on young Peter DeSouza-Feighoney is genuinely disturbing—black veins, yellowed eyes, and a voice layered with malevolent reverb (courtesy of Ralph Ineson, who voiced Asmodeus).
Set in 1987, the story follows , a grizzled, Vespa-riding priest who reports directly to the Pope.
The documentary series features several cases of alleged demonic possessions, including that of a young woman who claims to have been possessed by a malevolent spirit. Through Amorth's guidance, the woman undergoes a series of exorcisms, which are documented in the series. While the authenticity of these possessions cannot be verified, the documentary provides a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities surrounding demonic possessions.
The Pope’s Exorcist won’t reinvent the possession genre, but it’s a thoroughly entertaining, surprisingly fun horror-thriller anchored by Russell Crowe’s committed and charismatic performance. It’s less terrifying than The Exorcist and less artful than The Wailing , but it has a scrappy, B-movie energy that makes it feel fresh. For fans of Crowe, Vatican conspiracy stories, or just a solid Saturday-night horror flick with a sense of humor about itself, this exorcism movie is a welcome blessing—with a few demonic curses thrown in for good measure. The Pope-s Exorcist -2023-
When the film opens, Amorth is investigating a seemingly straightforward possession of a young boy (Henry, played by Peter DeSouza-Feighoney) in a crumbling Spanish abbey that the boy’s recently widowed mother (Alex Essoe) has inherited. But what begins as a standard exorcism quickly spirals into a Vatican-level conspiracy.
This sets up a potential cinematic universe: The Exorcist meets The Avengers . Whether that happens depends on box office performance. The film grossed over $76 million worldwide on a $18 million budget, making it a solid hit. As of late 2024, a sequel has been officially confirmed, with Crowe set to return and Avery in talks to direct.
Amorth emphasizes that exorcisms are not simply a matter of reciting prayers and performing rituals; rather, they require a deep understanding of the individual's condition and a strong spiritual foundation. He also stresses the importance of discernment, as not all alleged possessions are genuine. The visual effects are a mixed bag
According to Father Amorth, demonic possessions are a reality that cannot be ignored. He believes that Satan and his minions are constantly seeking to harm humanity, and that demonic possessions are a manifestation of this evil presence. Amorth's experiences as an exorcist have led him to conclude that demonic possessions can take many forms, ranging from physical manifestations to psychological and spiritual afflictions.
What sets the film apart is its use of . The Spanish abbey is a character in itself: a labyrinth of hidden passageways, Inquisition torture chambers, and sealed crypts. The demon Asmodeus does not just possess Henry; it possesses the building , shifting walls and creating impossible spaces like the Overlook Hotel in The Shining .
Director Julius Avery knows his horror history. The Pope’s Exorcist borrows liberally from The Exorcist (spider-walking, projectile vomiting, desecrated crucifixes) but adds a Da Vinci Code –style mystery. The scares are largely traditional—creaking doors, contorted bodies, whispering voices—but effective. The documentary series features several cases of alleged
In The Pope’s Exorcist , Russell Crowe stars as Father Gabriele Amorth, the real-life chief exorcist of the Vatican who reportedly performed tens of thousands of exorcisms over his career. The film follows Amorth as he is summoned to a remote Spanish abbey, where a young boy named Henry has become violently possessed after his family inherits an old, crumbling estate. What initially appears to be a routine case of demonic oppression quickly spirals into something far more sinister—a centuries-old conspiracy that reaches into the highest echelons of the Church. With his young apprentice, Father Esquibel (Daniel Zovatto), at his side, Amorth must confront a powerful, ancient demon with a direct connection to a hidden chapter of Vatican history.
In a world where faith and spirituality continue to play a significant role in shaping our lives, the concept of demonic possession and exorcisms remains a topic of fascination and intrigue. For centuries, the Catholic Church has been at the forefront of combating evil spirits, with exorcists being the spiritual warriors who confront the dark forces head-on. One such individual who has gained international attention for his work as the Pope's exorcist is Father Gabriele Amorth. In 2023, the world got a glimpse into the life and work of this devoted priest through a documentary series titled "The Pope's Exorcist."