Exorcist: The Beginning
Added Updated How We Rate
- 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.
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Where to watch Exorcist: The Beginning
- Subscription
- Sony Pictures Core
- Free
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- Rent or buy
- Prime Video · Apple TV · YouTube · Google Play · Fandango at Home
Streaming in the US changes often. Listings from JustWatch via TMDB, checked November 10, 2026.See every option
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
Content notes
- Violence and peril
Tags
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