The Exorcist: Believer

The Exorcist: Believer (2023) Review – Plot, Cast, Atmosphere & Why It Falls Short of the Original Classic

Ellen Burstyn reprises her role as Chris MacNeil in The Exorcist: Believer, joining Leslie Odom Jr. in a continuation of the franchise. The story follows two young girls, Angela (Lidya Jewett) and Katherine (Olivia O’Neill), who vanish after entering the woods. Angela, still grieving the loss of her mother, attempts to contact her spirit with a pendulum. When the girls return three days later with no memory of what happened, their strange behavior signals something far more sinister: possession. As the evil presence tightens its grip, their families must confront both the supernatural and their own deepest fears.

First Impressions

As a direct sequel to the legendary 1973 film, The Exorcist: Believer carries heavy expectations. The opening premise is strong and unsettling, setting the stage for a modern take on spiritual horror. Unfortunately, the film quickly stumbles. Rather than leaning into slow-building dread and psychological unease, it falls back on predictable jump scares and a formulaic horror structure. The result is a movie that feels less like a worthy successor and more like a generic entry in today’s crowded horror market.

Acting Commentary

  • Leslie Odom Jr. delivers a grounded and emotional performance as a father desperately trying to save his daughter. His presence anchors the film.
  • Ellen Burstyn’s return is meant to be a highlight, but her role is disappointingly limited, and she’s underutilized given her legacy in the franchise.
  • Lidya Jewett and Olivia O’Neill are convincing as the possessed girls, delivering moments of genuine creepiness despite occasionally thin writing.
  • Ann Dowd adds some weight to the supporting cast, though her character feels underdeveloped.

The cast does their best with the material, but the script doesn’t give them much room to shine.

Music & Atmosphere

The score borrows eerie motifs from the original but fails to recapture its iconic musical identity (Tubular Bells is used sparingly and without the same impact). Atmosphere-wise, the film has moments of tension, particularly in the first act, but much of it feels uneven. The oppressive dread and slow-burn terror that defined The Exorcist are replaced by louder, more obvious scare tactics.

Technical Elements

Visually, the movie is competently shot, with moody lighting and shadow-heavy compositions that fit the genre. However, the editing often feels rushed, undercutting the buildup of suspense. Practical effects are used effectively for the possession sequences, but CGI elements occasionally break immersion. The pacing is another weak spot—scenes drag when they should be tense, and climactic moments arrive without enough buildup.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Strong setup with an eerie premise
  • Leslie Odom Jr. delivers a heartfelt performance
  • Occasional effective possession imagery
  • Some solid callbacks to the original

Cons:

  • Over-reliance on jump scares
  • Lacks the psychological depth and atmosphere of the 1973 classic
  • Underutilization of Ellen Burstyn
  • Uneven pacing and predictable story beats
  • Limited originality; feels generic

Final Thoughts

The Exorcist: Believer tries to honor the legacy of the original but ultimately falls short. Despite a promising setup, strong performances, and a few creepy moments, it fails to capture the slow, suffocating dread that made The Exorcist timeless. Instead, it leans on modern horror conventions, leaving the experience feeling hollow and forgettable.

Recommendation

Watch this if you’re a completionist or a longtime fan of The Exorcist franchise looking for continuity. Casual horror fans may find it passable, but those expecting the haunting brilliance of the original will likely be disappointed. For most viewers, this is a one-time watch—best saved for a franchise binge rather than a standalone experience.

Casts Hightlights

by Lokhi D | 17 September 2024