HorroRated archive entry

Exorcist: The Beginning

HorroRated verdict
If You're Curious
2000sReligious HorrorDemonsPeriod HorrorOccult
Directed by
Renny Harlin
Written by
Alexi Hawley, William Wisher, Caleb Carr
Produced by
Guy McElwaine, James G. Robinson, David Robinson, Wayne Morris, Stephanie Ito

Why it’s HorroRated

A troubled prequel that answers questions nobody urgently asked. Stellan Skarsgård brings real weight to a younger Merrin and the African setting is distinctive within the franchise. The production history, Paul Schrader's version rejected and almost entirely reshot, is visible in the result. More interesting as a curiosity than as a horror film.

Synopsis

Father Merrin's history before the original Exorcist is the subject of this troubled prequel directed by Renny Harlin after Paul Schrader's version was shelved. Stellan Skarsgard plays a younger Merrin navigating colonial East Africa and something ancient beneath the dig site. More interesting as a curiosity than as a horror film, but the African setting distinguishes it visually from the rest of the franchise.

Filed under

Quick facts

Release date
August 20, 2004
Runtime
1 hour 54 mins
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Content rating
R
Entry type
Movie

Tags

Exorcist: The Beginning trailer