‘The Exorcism Of Saint Patrick’ Review – A Solid Start To The Fresh Hell Horror Trilogy

Religion has a knack for finding its way into horror films pretty frequently, and 2024 has been full of religion-adjacent movies. The brilliant The First Omen followed up a similarly themed Immaculate earlier this spring and we have the Hugh Grant-driven Heretic from A24 to look forward to this fall. Over the next few weeks, an independently produced horror trilogy titled Fresh Hell will roll out three feature films, the first of which is sure to fill the religious horror gap in late summer and early fall. Quinn Armstrong’s The Exorcism of Saint Patrick follows a Catholic priest (Steve Pinder) and a young man (Michael J. Cline), both named Patrick, as they venture to a secluded cabin to go through gay conversion therapy for the teen. After taking increasingly extreme measures, the teen takes his own life and his ghost wreaks havoc on the priest to enact revenge.

The film opens with Father Patrick addressing the major elephant in the room: the fact that they share a name. To make sure this doesn’t get in the way of anything he offers to go by Pat and to call the young man Trick. Throughout the first half of the movie, Pat walks through several exercises and conversations with Trick to help him navigate his struggles with same-sex attraction. At first, these exercises seem caring and helpful, as if Pat is just trying to understand where Trick is at. It doesn’t take long for Pat’s motives to become clear as he pushes Trick further and further to try and get him to no longer be gay. 

Pat’s tactics to manipulate and abuse Trick are the most effective horror elements here. Trick will say and do anything just to get to go home. He’s a shy, quiet kid who often doesn’t have much to say. The whole experience with Pat pushes him to think less and less of himself instead of helping him be comfortable in his body. It’s heartbreaking to see what he’s going through. It’s also difficult to see Pat make the wrong decision at every turn. He doesn’t trust a word Trick says and continues to antagonize him to get the result he wants. Steve Pinder’s performance as Pat is harrowing, and his commitment to the character is apparent in every action. Michael J. Cline also does a solid job, but this is more of a character study for Pat than a two-hander. 

Quinn Armstrong’s writing and direction are impressive throughout, delivering a more meditative film than expected. Yes, there are horror elements involving ghosts and gore but the deep dive into Pat’s psyche and mentality is more of the focus here. Unfortunately, little redemption is found in this excavation of Pat’s soul. He believes everything he’s doing is right up until things go too far and he has to find a way out of Trick ending his life on his watch. Pat is written as a one-dimensional character, and not in a derogatory sense. His demeanor and thought process are clearly reflective of his religious institution, an organization that has been high on its own supply of righteousness for centuries. Armstrong makes a clear stance on this kind of religiosity and the effects it has on some of the most vulnerable folks in our world. 

Ultimately The Exorcism of Saint Patrick leans a little away from the classic horror mold than audiences might expect which is both a blessing and a curse. Either it works for you or it doesn’t. The film is held together by a strong performance from Steve Pinder and explores an increasingly relevant topic that can sometimes get swept under the rug. This is a steady beginning to the Fresh Hell trilogy and will definitely make you want to check out the other installments coming soon.

The Exorcism of Saint Patrick is currently playing in select theaters and is available On Demand courtesy of Cranked Up Films. The next installment of the trilogy, Wolves Against the World, debuts on September 3rd, followed by Dead Teenagers on September 10th.