By Jack Shanley

The Exorcist: Believer is a prime example of how a once-beloved horror franchise can lose its way. Clocking in at just over two hours, this film feels like an eternity of clichés and jump scares that fail to deliver any real terror. The plot, which attempts to rekindle the demonic horror of the original film, is a convoluted mess. It follows a group of ill-fated individuals who stumble upon an ancient artifact that supposedly holds the key to unleashing the ultimate evil. As they unwittingly awaken a demonic force, were subjected to a series of overly predictable events, from eerie whispers in the dark to objects moving on their own. The film leans heavily on the tropes of the genre without bringing anything fresh or innovative to the table. One of the major drawbacks of is the lacklustre character development. The ensemble cast, which includes some seasoned actors, is given very little to work with. They are reduced to mere vessels for the demon’s malevolence, making it impossible to invest in their fates. Theres no emotional connection to these characters, and their struggles are lost in a sea of uninspired dialogue and wooden performances. The special effects, while technologically advanced, fail to impress. The CGI-heavy sequences often come across as overdone, distracting from any genuine horror the film might have hoped to achieve. Moreover, the reliance on jump scares grows tiresome as they become predictable, offering little more than momentary jolts. The film’s pacing is a significant issue as well. It struggles to maintain a consistent atmosphere, vacillating between slow, plodding exposition and frenetic, chaotic scenes. This inconsistency disrupts the build-up of tension and ultimately dilutes the horror. In conclusion, The Exorcist: Believer is a forgettable addition to the once-proud franchise. It lacks the storytelling depth and character development that made the original a classic. With a disjointed plot, uninspired performances, and an overreliance on worn-out horror tropes, this film misses the mark in delivering genuine scares. In all truth I’d recommend checking out The Exorcist: Believer and see what you think of it. I shall give it a score of two stars. Director: David Gordon Green – Rating: R– Genre: Horror/Supernatural – Run Time: 1h 51m – Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram/
Editor’s note. Jack’s opinion on this film is his alone based on his vast knowledge of film and does not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of the owners, management or staff of Local Magazine. We suggest you do as Jack recommends and go and view the film yourself and form your own views.