In Alejandro Hidalgo’s The Exorcism of God, an exorcism gone wrong leads to unspeakable terrors being unleashed decades later. While the film has some surprising moments and tries its best to establish itself as different than its predecessor, it doesn’t quite hit the mark.
In his youth, American priest Peter Williams (Will Beinbrick) decided to perform a risky exorcism against the wishes of his superiors. Unfortunately for him, the demon manages to appeal to his emotional shortcomings such as pride and lust. After briefly becoming a vessel for the demonic spirit himself, the film jumps forward eighteen years and we learn that Peter still resides in Mexico and runs an orphanage.
He is revered for his faith and kindness, but when a possessed woman begins spreading a demonic disease around the local village, the secrets of what really happened the night he was possessed come to light and may cost him, and everyone around him, their very souls.
In this film, Hidalgo looks at the after effects of demonic possession and the toll it takes on those who perform the ritual. Peter is haunted both figuratively and literally by the events of that fateful night, and worries that because of his sins, some part of the demon still lingers inside of him awaiting its moment to strike again.
This film does an excellent job of building a dramatic and moody atmosphere. There’s a sense of foreboding that extends throughout the film and never lets up. Like its predecessors, the film doesn’t shy away from the psychological and physical horror that comes with demonic possession. The special effects in the film are great and truly terrifying.
The scenes set in a prison full of demonically possessed inmates were just as delightfully horrific as you’d imagine. And the sight of a demonically possessed, crab walking Jesus that haunts Peter’s dreams stayed with me after the film’s conclusion. Without question, the special effects are the best thing about this movie. Another great moment is when three of the possessed women attempt to cast the spirit of God out of Peter so that he can become a demonic vessel. This titular moment was intense and was one of the movie’s best scenes.
Beinbrick does well enough as the lead character. He’s a decent actor, but even decent acting can’t save a subpar story. While I appreciate the film showing that Peter is a flawed and imperfect man trying to correct his past mistakes, the film doesn’t set itself apart in a way that’s different from what films like The Exorcist were doing decades ago.
A very pleasant surprise in this film was the inclusion of the actor, Joseph Marcell. Largely known for his role as the wise-cracking butler, Geoffrey, in the The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, it was nice to see him in a more dramatic role. He plays Beinbrick’s superior, Father Lewis, and is a welcome inclusion.
Is The Exorcism Of God a watchable supernatural thriller? Yes. Should you go into it expecting something different, not at all.
The Exorcism Of God is currently available in select theaters, on Digital, and On Demand. The film will be available on Blu-ray and DVD on April 19, 2022.
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Writer. Video Essayist. Film/TV Critic. Pop Culture Enthusiast.
When he isn’t writing for Geek Vibes Nation or The Cinema Spot, Tristian can be found typing away at one of the novels or screenplays he’s been working on forever.
