HORROR MOVIE REVIEW: THE EXORCIST (1973)

Oct 18

Congrats on surviving another week! 🎉 This time, we’re tackling one of the most iconic horror films of all time —The Exorcist (1973). Directed by William Friedkin and based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, this film has terrified audiences for decades and still holds up as one of the scariest movies ever made. This might be one of the greatest movies ever made!

Unlike modern horror films packed with jump scares, The Exorcist uses unsettling imagery, an eerie atmosphere, and psychological tension to create lasting dread. From the moment young Regan’s behavior starts to change, you’re on edge, questioning whether it’s just a young girl going through early adulthood or something far more sinister.

Rankings:

Monsters/Villains: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (9.3)
What could be more terrifying than a demon? Pazuzu, the ancient demon that possesses Regan, is chilling not only for the horrors it inflicts but for its psychological torment on those around her. Father Merrin and Father Karras go head-to-head with pure evil in this fight, and the slow, creeping escalation of the possession will have you squirming in your seat. The movie’s true power is how it makes you feel helpless, much like the characters, unable to fight what they can’t fully understand.

Actors/Characters: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (9.1)
Linda Blair delivers one of the most iconic child performances as Regan, making her transformation from an innocent girl to a horrifying vessel for a demon deeply unsettling. Jason Miller as Father Karras is another standout—his struggle with faith adds an emotional layer to the story. And let’s not forget Max von Sydow as Father Merrin, the veteran exorcist. His presence alone brings a sense of gravitas to the film. Ellen Burstyn, as Regan’s mother, is also fantastic, capturing the desperation of a parent trying to save her child. Right down to the minor players Lee Cobb & Jack MacGowran are great as Lt Kinderman & Burke Dennings, just a master class for casting and acting!

Story: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (9.4)
Adapted from Blatty’s novel, the story is as much about faith and redemption as it is about a battle with the supernatural. Friedkin’s direction creates a slow-burn narrative that gets under your skin. The buildup to the final exorcism is paced perfectly, with moments of intense horror balanced by quieter, more contemplative scenes that deepen the film’s themes. Is it just a possession, or is it a test of faith? The story raises deeper questions, which makes the horror all the more impactful.

Joe's Score: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (9.2)
Even after multiple viewings, The Exorcist remains one of the most disturbing films I’ve ever seen. The psychological horror, combined with the eerie aurora of the film, gets me every time. But please do not watch this with your grandmother. I am still not sure I am old enough to be watching