Just a week ago, the much-anticipated trailer for “The Exorcist Believer” was released, and I couldn’t contain my excitement.
It’s refreshing to see a classic franchise coming back in 2023, especially in an era where horror movies often struggle to bring something new to the table. “The Exorcist Believer” seems to be a ray of hope amidst the lack of original ideas in the genre.
The trailer teasing an October 2023 release, coinciding with my birth month, only adds to my anticipation.
I can’t help but wonder how it will measure up against the original 1973 gem, which featured the unforgettable performance by the incomparable Linda Blair.
Looking back, it’s awe-inspiring to witness the return of this iconic horror film after nearly 50 years.
The excitement surrounding the new trailer for “The Exorcist Believer” is palpable, with fans eager to dissect theories, explanations, and plot hints.
The burning question on everyone’s mind is whether this modern installment can live up to the brilliance of the original.
The Exorcist Believer: Why you should look forward to the movie
First and foremost, the trailer introduces us to a fresh ensemble of cast members, with particular attention directed at two young girls who will play crucial roles in the movie.
These two young talents will be confronted with the spine-chilling prospect of simultaneous possession, setting the stage for an enthralling and captivating narrative.
The film boasts an impressive lineup of actors, including Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Olivia Marcum, Lidya Jewett, Leslie Odom Jr., Jennifer Nettles, Ann Dowd, and many others, guaranteeing a treat for horror enthusiasts like myself who eagerly await its release.
Right from the outset, the trailer establishes its tone as we witness the girls being dropped off at school by Angela’s father—a scene piques our curiosity, hinting that they will be at the heart of the story.
As the plot thickens, we find ourselves on the edge of our seats when Angela’s father seeks assistance at a mysterious facility after the girls mysteriously vanish.
Echoes of the gripping 2013 horror-thriller “Mama” arise, leaving us wondering about the enigmatic secrets concealed within the woods where they disappeared.
A new story using a similar plot
By this point, it becomes evident that the movie shares similarities with Andrés Muschietti’s 2013 horror/thriller, “Mama.”
The reason for this connection is twofold: firstly, both girls go missing, and it is later discovered that they were lost in the woods for three days, though Angel (Lidya Jewett) believes it’s only been a few hours.
Moreover, another compelling hint that supports this comparison is the presence of strange cuts and marks on their bodies, hinting at a possible hidden event that occurred in the woods.
This parallel in the opening plot draws strong resemblances to the storyline of “Mama.”
Moving forward, The Exorcist Believer’s trailer takes a dramatic turn beyond the 40-second mark, immersing us in the unsettling experiences of both Angela and Katherine.
They start hearing and witnessing inexplicable phenomena, delving into realms beyond their comprehension.
However, what sets this trailer apart is its audacious approach. Rather than keeping us in suspense, it grants us glimpses of the eerie occurrences the girls encounter.
Some may argue that it reveals too much, but it cleverly aims to attract a younger audience and newcomers to the franchise.
As Angela trembles uncontrollably, the tension escalates, leaving us wondering about the malevolent force that has attached itself to them.
At this juncture, we find ourselves in the movie’s intriguing middle act, where a haunting voice ominously declares, “Wherever those girls went, they brought something back with them.”
The trailer teases us with this foreboding statement, stoking our curiosity about the dreadful consequences that await Angela and Katherine.
The Exorcist Believer: Giving a taste of the ending
One aspect that I find disheartening about these kinds of movie trailers is their tendency to reveal too much information.
A prime example of how a trailer should be executed can be seen in the 2018 Horror/Drama film “Hereditary.” Its trailer masterfully builds suspense without divulging the entire plot, leaving the audience with just enough chilling scenes to send shivers down their spines.
Now, turning to “The Exorcist Believer” trailer, another disappointing moment that was disclosed involved Katherine entering a church with bloodied clothes, repeatedly chanting the words, “body and the blood.”
The scene felt unnecessary and disruptive due to frequent cuts, which hindered the flow of what could have been a powerful movie scene—or rather, an intriguing trailer moment.
First and foremost, let me clarify that my intentions are not to hate the movie. As a devoted horror movie enthusiast, I have eagerly anticipated another installment in The Exorcist franchise my entire life.
In this section, let’s delve into the positive aspects that follow in the latter half of the trailer.
One exciting highlight is the return of Ellen Burstyn, reprising her iconic role as Chris MacNeil, the mother of Regan MacNeil, from the original movie.
This nostalgic inclusion adds a sense of continuity to the franchise and gives long-time fans like us something to look forward to.
For those who may not have seen the original, Chris MacNeil, portrayed by Ellen Burstyn, is a retired actress and the mother of Regan MacNeil.
She returns to life after years of absence when her possessed granddaughter goes missing in the original movie.
Furthermore, we witness the reappearance of the same malevolent entity that once possessed Regan in the original film. It is now seen taking control of two young girls, wreaking havoc and causing mayhem.
In one scene, Angela appears to be swallowing pages from a book resembling the Bible, a significant holy text for the Christian religion.
However, while impactful, these scenes still can’t surpass the audacity and brilliance of the original, which left audiences pondering the nature of demons and ghosts when they possess someone.
Returning to “The Exorcist Believer” trailer, it culminates with both young girls, Angela and Katherine, mysteriously synchronizing their heartbeats.
The screen transitions to black and white, creating an unsettling experience akin to epilepsy, which can be discomforting.
Honestly, there are moments in the trailer that leave us yearning for more. While visually captivating, some scenes appear unnecessary and distract from the subtle suspense-building we witnessed in the masterful trailer for the 2018 horror-drama “Hereditary.”
In conclusion, “The Exorcist Believer” holds promise, though it’s a daunting task to replicate the sheer brilliance of the original. Nonetheless, I expect it to be a captivating watch, making our time and money spent at the theater worthwhile.
On a separate note, let’s acknowledge that not every movie in The Exorcist franchise achieved the same cult status as the original. Here’s a chronological list to satisfy those curious about the other film in the series.
While we eagerly await “The Exorcist Believer,” exploring these related movies and sequels might serve as a thrilling diversion.
The Exorcist sequels to watch before the new movie
The Exorcist (1973) – The Classic That Started It All
Our journey begins with the mother of all exorcism movies, the legendary 1973 horror masterpiece, “The Exorcist.” Brace yourself for heart-pounding suspense, demon-induced acrobatics, and pea-soup projectile vomiting.
As you watch Linda Blair’s iconic portrayal of the possessed Regan, be prepared to question why spinning heads and backward crab walking haven’t become the latest dance crazes.
It’s a horror classic that will leave you both frightened and amused.
Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) – The Wacky Sequel
Hold on to your holy water, folks! Next is the sequel that took the series in a new direction, “Exorcist II: The Heretic.” This film brilliantly combines horror with a generous dose of psychedelic, mind-bending visuals, making it a must-see for fans of the bizarre.
Picture a swarm of locusts led by a demon and a psychic connection between priests, and you’ve got yourself a rollercoaster of weirdness that’s so bad, it’s good!
The Exorcist III (1990) – The Surprisingly Good Follow-up
After the wild ride of the second installment, it’s time to cleanse your palate with “The Exorcist III.” Surprisingly, this movie manages to redeem the franchise and is often hailed as a hidden gem.
George C. Scott plays Lieutenant Kinderman, investigating gruesome murders with an unsettling connection to the original exorcism.
This film combines horror with detective thriller elements and is a welcome respite from the madness of the previous sequel.
Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist (2005) – The Battle of the Prequels
Prepare for a strange twist in the franchise as we venture into the realm of prequels. “Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist” takes us back to the origin of Father Merrin’s encounter with a demon in Africa.
As it turns out, two prequels were made, the other being “Exorcist: The Beginning” (2004), which underwent reshoots and revisions.
Watching both back-to-back can be more bewildering than a demon attempting to find a bathroom in a shopping mall.
The Exorcist (2016) – The TV Series Spin-off
When you thought the possessed couldn’t get any closer to your living room, the “The Exorcist” TV series comes along. This small-screen adaptation picks up the demonic baton and runs with it in a serialized format.
While not directly related to the original movie, it’s worth including for those who can’t get enough of exorcisms, jump scares, and possessed individuals contorting in unthinkable ways—now on a weekly basis!
Exorcist: The Fallen (TBA) – The Mysterious Future
Ah, yes, the elusive “Exorcist: The Fallen.” As of my last update in 2021, this movie was in development, promising to add yet another chapter to the spine-chilling saga.
While we eagerly await this future installment, you can always entertain yourself by speculating on what creative exorcism scenarios the filmmakers have in store for us. Who knows, the possessed will learn to breakdance this time around!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the release of “The Exorcist Believer” marks a momentous occasion for horror enthusiasts and fans of the iconic 1973 classic.
The trailer has stirred excitement and anticipation, presenting a fresh ensemble cast and a compelling narrative centered around two young girls facing simultaneous possession.
As we eagerly await its October 2023 release, the burning question remains whether this modern installment can match the brilliance of its predecessor.
The trailer gives us glimpses of eerie occurrences and an audacious approach to building intrigue among loyal fans and franchise newcomers.
However, some moments reveal more than necessary, potentially hindering the suspenseful experience. Despite this, the inclusion of Ellen Burstyn reprising her role from the original adds a nostalgic touch, offering continuity to the series.
While “The Exorcist Believer” may not surpass the brilliance of the 1973 classic, it promises to captivate and entertain audiences, making the time and money spent at the theater worthwhile.
As we look forward to this new chapter in The Exorcist saga, let’s also appreciate the previous sequels and spin-offs that have shaped the chilling world of exorcisms and possessed souls.
As we eagerly await the release of “The Exorcist Believer” and potentially “Exorcist: The Fallen” in the future, let’s embrace the thrill of exorcism movies, where spinning heads and unsettling demonic encounters have continued to captivate audiences for decades.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, the world of The Exorcist promises to offer spine-tingling adventures that will leave you both frightened and amused.
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