In Joshua John Miller's film "The Exorcism," Russell Crowe takes on the role of Anthony Miller, an actor in recovery who finds himself cast as a priest tormented by demons. As Crowe immerses himself in this challenging role, guided by a relentless director portrayed by Adam Goldberg, he must face his own inner struggles. However, as bizarre events unfold on set, it raises the question of what is truly his doing and what might be influenced by external forces. While trying to rid himself of his personal demons, does Miller end up confronting real supernatural entities that haunt the film's production?
When the term exorcism comes up in movies, many immediately think of the horror classic "The Exorcist." This new film pays homage to its legendary predecessor and other horror staples. However, the link between this movie and the original goes much deeper than a simple nod. Joshua John Miller is the son of Jason Miller, who famously portrayed Father Karras in "The Exorcist." Moreover, the film within "The Exorcism" is titled "The Georgetown Project," cleverly referencing the Washington, DC area where the original film was shot.
The film features an incredibly intriguing aspect, resembling “The Exorcist” while exploring the peculiar events that took place during the original filming, which starred Jason Miller. It’s quite possible that many of the bizarre and well-documented incidents from the seventies were reimagined in this new film. Viewers can listen to Jason recounting stories he has held onto until now, sharing them with his son.
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Because of this and other elements, “The Exorcism” leans more towards being a meta-psychological thriller rather than a conventional horror movie. Although there are some eerie and disconcerting moments, they don’t quite reach the level typically associated with horror. There are a few minor jump scares, but the film exists in its own unique space.
It’s not often that an actor gets a chance to redeem a project, but Crowe’s performance here is far richer and more substantial than what he delivered in “The Pope’s Exorcist.” Ryan Simpkins shines as the rebellious yet caring daughter, worried about her father’s well-being and sobriety. Additionally, Adam Goldberg deserves praise for portraying one of the most perilous types of directors an actor can encounter—one who prioritizes the work over the well-being of the person.
The Exorcism is a bold venture into storytelling and imaginative visuals, aiming to forge a fresh kind of horror. While it might not hit the mark, the effort is certainly commendable.