Gladiator star Russell Crowe is now slaying demons and it’s a blessing

The addition “based on true events” is a seal that very few horror films can show. The Pope’s Exorcist has this pleasure because it is based on the memoirs* of Father Gabriele Amorth, the one-time Vatican chief exorcist. As the film affirms, his writings are “really good books”. It remains to be seen how much truth there really is in the fiery, epic demon fight. But thanks to Gladiator star Russell Crowe, the result of the film, which is released today, on April 6, 2023which opens in cinemas, is a devilishly entertaining affair.

The Pope’s Exorcist is a typical exorcist movie with an atypical exorcist

The Catholic priest Gabriele Amorth (Russell Crowe) had already earned his position as chief exorcist by the time the film took place, in the late 1980s. But he also offends with his unconventional manner in the Vatican, since he prefers to refer many “possessed” victims to doctors. But the Pope (Franco Nero!) is behind him and so in a new case in Spain only one demon professional comes into question: In an old renovated abbey, young Henry (Peter DeSouza-Feighoney) shows signs of supernatural possession and Amorth should examine him.

At first glance, The Pope’s Exorcist presents itself as classic representative of the exorcist film: We have the worried mother (Alex Essoe), the rebellious daughter (Laurel Marsden), the possessed boy and the experienced exorcist with a younger novice priest (Daniel Zovatto) at his side. People are thrown through rooms, children speak in distorted voices and faces take on distorted forms. The full program as The Exorcist did in 1973.

That The Pope’s Exorcist Thanks to Russell Crowe for escaping the spell of the genre that has been copied countless times. Because the gladiator star returns to Rome and plays his historical role model so mischievously that his fun is inevitably transferred to the audience. He speaks with an Italian accent and stylishly drives a tiny Vespa that puts any Popemobile in the shade. He occasionally swears, drinks, swings the sledgehammer, or uses holy water to wash his sweat. He flirts with nuns in passing and his biggest nightmare is that France will be world champion in soccer. He has a tragic past but also humor because “the devil doesn’t like jokes”.

Russell Crowe’s man of God, for all his firm faith, may be the most worldly priest we have ever come across. Still, the unusual main character is a blessing. She brings the necessary fresh wind into a dusty narrative scheme and helps The Pope’s Exorcist to develop in the next step.

The Pope’s Exorcist turns horror into spectacle

Even Russell Crowe’s comedy repeatedly brings The Pope’s Exorcist to the border of loving trash. At the latest when towards the end naked women covered in blood fight priests, it should be clear to everyone that this FSK 16 flick is not a work of religious modesty, but a horror blockbuster wants to be.

Everything that happens here happens with grand gestures. Luckily, the horror film doesn’t apologize for that. Either you enjoy Russel Crowe’s free spins and the ecstasy of hellish church wars or you don’t. There is no in-between. The Excess of explosions, transformations and effects in the second half, The Pope’s Exorcist finally uses to stand out from the crowd of similar films and break away.

Noteworthy: Here the interest in the exorcist is stronger than in the possessed. Here will be one diabolical conspiracy built on the scaffolding of the known. Demons are cast out here, as is false cinematic restraint. Whether this all-or-not-at-all calculation works out for The Pope’s Exorcist is up to the (un)believing cinema audience of the horror film, which happened to be released at Easter, to decide.

There is definitely potential for a sequel. And with as much joy as Russell Crowe exudes with his mischievous father, he would certainly be there again at any time.

Podcast: Why The Blacklist is so popular – and the ending will still disappoint

The Blacklist with James Spader is a phenomenon. Amidst the prestige series Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead, the crime series kicks off on September 23, 2013 with a compelling prelude. That was the beginning of an impressive success story.

Season 10 is currently on and it will be the last. In the podcast we ask ourselves two questions that have been on our mind for a long time: Why is The Blacklist so popular? And is a satisfying ending even possible?

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