By Pearl Tizzie
Sony Pictures presents The Pope’s Exorcist, starring Russell Crowe, inspired by the actual files of Father Amorth who performed Exorcisms working for the Vatican. Father Amorth is reported as having performed more than 100,000 exorcisms, and has authored a number of books.
The Pope’s Exorcist is directed by Julius Avery and written by MIchael Petroni, Evan Spiliotopoulos and R. Dean McCreary.
The film follows Father Amorth through his role at the Vatican, the perception of evil and the devil from different generations of the Vatican, and the wicked battles Father Amorth faces as Chief Exorcist, focusing on one in particular: the possession of a young boy with the evil of all evils. Local priest (Daniel Zovatto) and mother of the possessed child (Alex Essoe) and her daughter (Laurel Marsden) work with Father Amorth while the Pope (Franco Nero) continues his research into the possession back in Rome.
The film has great use of scene and imagery displaying iconic monuments of the Vatican and creating a mood of red and black tones. Costuming is crisp and it is interesting to see Russell Crowe in a role such as this, in quite a contrast from his earlier days and aesthetic including his rock band 30 Odd Foot of Grunts. Crowe plays the role impeccably without losing himself.
The Pope’s Exorcist is creepy and scary, but also a well developed story. There are the bloodish elements expected with a movie of this title, but the plot is just as interesting. Nods to The Shining, The Exorcist, but also Angels and Demons. Rated R 18+ with content that may be high impact for some viewers. It is a story of good and evil, uncovering the truth, and facing your own sins.
The Pope’s Exorcist is now screening at Palace Nova Eastend and Palace Prospect
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