Why can’t they do good horror films anymore??? Har baar it’s one aspect or the other that’s missing. Same is the case with “The Pope’s Exorcist”. This horror flick takes us into the realm of exorcism, drawing inspiration from the real-life experiences of Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s top exorcist. With Russell Crowe leading the charge (and possibly the only one kinda saving it), this film feels like a half-hearted attempt at horror. Thrills toh hai, but chills missing hai. The movie keeps you hooked until the end but if you are watching this with an intention to get shit scared, this is not your final destination.
Story
Just like any other horror story, this one also deals with a huge fckn castle. A family inherits a creepy old abbey in Spain, and without wasting a second, things take a turn for the possessed! Little Henry, the son who just listens to music all day and talks to no one (why am I in the movie?) becomes the shikaar of a powerful demon with a very specific request – it wants to meet Father Amorth. As our unconventional exorcist arrives at the abbey, he realizes things aren’t as easy as he thinks. From that point, the story takes us on a rollercoaster ride of horror, humor, and even a touch of Japanese horror influences. Clichés like objects moving on their own, bodies twisting in impossible ways etc. form a good part of this movie but it does a good job to keep you at the edge of your seat.
Performances
Russell Crowe undoubtedly steals the show as Father Amorth, bringing his A-game to this devilishly delightful role. You are left stunned by the character’s slyness, toughness, and quick wit while dealing with dark spirits. Aur ek hum hai jo raat ke 3 baje fridge se paani bhi nahi nikaal sakte. His evil sense of humor contrasts well with the tension, but does not have enough horror to back it up. Also, Peter DeSouza-Feighoney as young Henry stands out with his performance. He skillfully portrays the doglapan of tenderness and brutality required for this possessed character, actually scaring you in moments.
Screenplay
The screenplay of “The Pope’s Exorcist” strikes a fine balance between capturing Father Amorth’s real-life experiences and delivering a fictional narrative that keeps you hooked. But where is the constant, Hanuman Chalisa inducing horror? The reason we watch horror movies is so that we’re fcked for the rest of the day. But that factor is missing in this movie. It stumbles into a few exorcism movie clichés along the way, and the Vatican conspiracy plot feels a bit confusing, and unnecessary tbh. Overall, you’re never bored of the movie, but you don’t get eye-opening, heart-racing moments either.
Writing
Writing is probably the only aspect of this movie that spoils it. There’s no originality in terms of horror. Wahi same bed pe baandh ke popcorn ke jaisa uchalna, objects moving khud se, bodies twisting in ugly ways and all. Even the magnitude of the horror, it feels like it teases you ki ‘ab phategi, ab phategi’, but then leaves you just at that. The dark humour moments are fun to watch, but jab there’s no horror to pair it up with, then what’s the point? In short, agar horror movies se darr lagti hai toh start with this cuz bilkul nahi phategi.
“The Pope’s Exorcist” does not reinvent the wheel when it comes to exorcism movies, but it sure knows how to deliver a devilishly good time. Russell Crowe’s fantastic performance as Father Amorth holds the movie. Only if they had added more horror elements, this would’ve been *chef kiss*. Sure, it may dip into clichés and the conspiracy plot might leave you scratching your head, but the overall experience is pretty fun. A good horror watch for beginners, the experienced ones can skip.
