The Pope’s Exorcist – Review

It’s nice to put a face to the name.

People have always talked about The Pope. I’ve pounded the pavement, asking the average streetwalker what they think of The Pope. While interest in The Pope slips and slides, it seems he’s always a guy worth talking about. But what about The Pope’s guys? I’m no Marc Maron but I would like an answer to this question…. Is what I said before seeing The Pope’s Exorcist! It’s time we meet an important member of The P’s entourage: the one who thinks demons are real. The P’s E is the wildcard who’s crazy enough to purify and ask questions later. Forget Travis Bickle, Harry Callahan, and Liam Neeson’s most recent action-thriller (oh, you already have?) because there’s a new renegade in town: Father Gabriel Amorth! He’s leaving no demon’s door unknocked! Strap-in and let’s talk about The Pope’s Exorcist.

Look at the title of this movie: The Pope’s Exorcist. Pretty good title, right? Now, strike out Pope and what do you have? Let’s see here, hmmm… THE EXORCIST!? What the! Tell me something, did I just blow your mind? 

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Well, it should come as no shock that The Pope’s Exorcist treads in some familiar territory. Another riff on The Exorcist is like another movie inexplicably taking place in Amityville or Children of the Corn movies still being made: at this point they’re horror movie traditions. Maybe these names still make money? Maybe it’s the familiarity? I don’t really know but I can say that this is a lot of lead up for an opinion: I like this movie!

An American family moves into a big, decrepit European Castle (I don’t remember why) and practically asks for spooky stuff to happen. It’s a classic setup for a horror dilemma: family moves into an ancient place and things go wrong. One of the innocent children is taken over by a malicious force of demonic evil! I admire the movie’s willingness to play the classics. It’s like Vincent Price meets The Exorcist and yes, it’s familiar stuff but it’s not too difficult of a buy-in if you understand what you’re watching: a pulpy mix of junk and genre-filmmaking. The film’s director Julius Avery (Samaritan, Overlord) is proving himself to be a chameleonic genre filmmaker. The gloomy, dark & stormy tone fits the movie well and makes this a good movie to pop on during an overcast day.

I haven’t even mentioned the main attraction of this movie yet: Russell Crowe. Crowe plays Father Gabriel with a sense of humor (I like how he uses this as defense against demons) and a swagger that only Crowe could bring to the proceedings. Crowe has a likable screen presence that makes me root for this film’s success. He’s a real “turn in your rosary and cross!” Priest. In the beginning, Father Gabriel is challenged by the institution that hired him which leads to a monologue from Crowe about the realness of evil. It’s cheesy but it works because of Crowe’s leaning-in to the material. He’s used well as the glue holding the film together.

The Pope’s Exorcist is a genre pulp-thriller done well. The familiarity of the material hampers it a bit (especially in the first half) but Avery’s steady hand and Crowe’s palpable affection for his role makes for a fun ride. The package is a bit too straight forward at times, with a plot that might bore hardened horror fans. The chilling atmosphere, gothic environment, and Big Boy Priest Crowe make this a worthy matinee. 

Rating: 6/10

P.S. I saw this as a double feature with Renfield. Both are takes on classic horror with movie stars at their helm. You’d think the one with a new, flashy comedic interpretation of classic characters and Nicolas Cage playing his dream role would be the more entertaining one. Whoops!