Spoiler Warning: The Pope's ExorcistRecently released by Sony Pictures, The Pope's Exorcistgave people something to talk about as they left the theater. The fairly decent scary movie featured Russell Crowe playing the Vatican's most important exorcist as he faced a menacing demon that overtook the body of a small boy in a Spanish castle. Father Amorth, inspired by the real-life exorcist, decides to take care of the possession, but at the same time, he uncovers a dark secret of the Church that will make him question the ideals he follows.
If you're still trying to find a reason why you should watch this one, we just put together a list of the film's scariest moments. If horror's not your thing, perhaps this could convince you to finally give the genre a chance. But if you're into horror, chances are you will enjoy this scary movie as it gets gnarlier with every second.
10 Animal Sacrifice
Following the regular horror narrative, The Pope's Exorcist goes for a subtle scare in its very beginning when Gabriele Amorth is introduced as the priest in charge of performing an exorcism on a young man. His skills are proven in a short sequence that ends with the brutal sacrifice of a pig who just became a vessel for the demon responsible for the possession. The shock of the priest accompanying Amorth is obvious and makes for a good reflection of the audience's reaction.
9 Henry Speaks
The plot then moves to another location. In Spain, a family of three has moved to a castle they will be renovating. A mother with a rebellious teenage daughter and a son who doesn't speak because of the trauma caused by his father's tragic death. It's pretty obvious early on that he will become the victim of possession. And when Henry finally speaks, his mother is cheerful. Only he doesn't say nice things, and he uses a guttural voice that really gets under your skin.
8 Henry and Father Gabriele Meet
Since the film's opening, Father Amorth has always shown to be playful. Even to his superiors, he shows a rebellious and bratty attitude. When it's time to meet Henry, Gabriele tries to be the same prankster. The demonic voice plays along, but soon it reveals to know a lot more Amorth than the priest thought at first. Seeing his reaction from confident to downright terrified is really creepy. This will be a difficult case for the Chief Exorcist of the Vatican.
7 It Knows All Your Sins
Amorth gets down to business. There's no time to waste. For the procedure, Amorth asks Father Esquibel to assist and then they start. The demon inside the boy shows its agenda as it begins spewing out details about Esquibel's sinful past. The young priest stares in awe at the most evil entity he has ever faced. Amorth is also accused of negligence in saving a poor girl's life. This knowledge leaves the audience unsettled as perhaps these men aren't as righteous and holy as we thought.
6 Mother and Daughter Get Attacked as Chaos Reigns
Amy and Julia stare in terror as Henry suffers the relentless anger of a demon whose agenda hasn't been discovered until then. But then they're not witnesses anymore. They are also part of the aggressive attack. You will see heads turning and unbelievable strength throwing them around like puppets. By this point, The Pope's Exorcist changes a few rules and depicts mother and daughter as clever people; perhaps, they should just leave.
5 The Past Comes Back to Haunt Everybody
The sins of Esquibel and Amorth are now in full display and images materialize in Henry's room. In a scene that religious people will feel uncomfortable with, the film shows Rosaria, the victim related to Amorth's past, as a powerful element that will make the priest's confidence crumble. No longer is Henry the vessel. Now the house has the power to make you relive your worst nightmare.
4 Henry Is Beat Physically Beyond Recognition
Great special effects makeup makes Henry a victim that you won't forget easily. The kid is branded and marked with an invisible force that leaves his skin raw, and his face is contorted to the point of being completely unrecognizable. This great horror feature is used cleverly by Julius Avery, the film's director. Henry's "descent" is slow, so in each scene, we see the progression of his body being violated by an unseen entity.
3 The Church Takes a Beating
When The Pope's Exorcist becomes more than just an exorcism movie and gives substance to the story's backdrop, it becomes much more interesting than before. It's almost like a trick up the sleeve that we didn't expect when Amorth discovers an entrance in the castle's patio. When he removes the door, along with Esquibel he discovers there's a reason why this place is relevant. It has to do with the Spanish Inquisition, in which an exorcist got possessed by a powerful demon and was able to infiltrate the Church. His name is Asmodeus.
Oh, and this place? Yeah, it'll give you the creeps. Props to the production designer.
2 Human Sacrifice
The Pope's Exorcist doesn't go for the easy and formulaic resolution. In other cases, Henry would be beaten by an exorcism ridden with special effects, a typical score, and a compelling sense of triumph. Instead, the film insists on Amorth being the lead figure and subjecting him to his burden. In a moving scene, he decides to sacrifice himself and become the vessel. How will he fight it? In an exciting third act.
1 Entering Hell in the Third Act
Both Esquibel and Amorth fight something they can't comprehend in the film's scariest moment. The magnitude is just unthinkable. At some point, a religious figure shows up, but it's the demon deceiving us again, and an image of the Virgin Mary is dissolved to show the face of Asmodeus. Father Amorth takes a beating and Father Esquibel suffers the wrath of the demon as well.
Do they win? Do they lose? Perhaps, you'll just have to trust us and stream this one next. How scary is The Pope's Exorcist? Scary enough to stay on your mind for a while.
You can stream The Pope's Exorcist on several VOD services.
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