After the “Halloween” saga, this is another classic of horror cinema that David Gordon Green brings up to date. The Exorcist: Devotion is not a remake of the film inspired by the novel by William Peter Blatty and directed by William Friedkin in 1973. It is indeed a sequel which takes place in the present day. “ The Exorcist was revolutionary for its time and we were keen to pay homage to it with this new opus,” explains producer Jason Blum.
It’s a big facelift that the saga receives in a cocktail of new heroes and famous ghosts. Among the latter, Ellen Burstyn signs the most remarkable comeback. The one who played the mother of the possessed girl in 1973 has an important role in this new film.
20 minutes details what this looks like Exorcist 2023, first opus of what is already announced as a trilogy, the next part of which is promised for April 2025.
Always more possession
Pazuzu, the demon of The Exorcist, gained tone. This time it is two young girls who will share the attentions of an invading entity. All it takes is for these two best friends to run away for them to return to their parents completely changed. The first lives alone with her atheist father and the second, in a very religious family.
New beliefs
The story is no longer confined to the United States alone. It develops as far as Haiti where a new mythology is exploited by the screenwriters, so as not to get stuck on déjà vu. The Vatican is no longer the only interlocutor available to get rid of the invaders: other forms of religion are addressed.
Where are the women ?
A little acid remark from Ellen Burstyn’s character scratches the macho side of William Friedkin’s film. Women play a key role in this story. Not counting the young possessed heroines, a very strong female entourage also has a role to play in these horrific adventures.
And again and again special effects
The Exorcist, these are also special effects! Linda Blair’s head spinning around, and her fire hose-like vomiting of vegetable puree are unforgettable. David Gordon Green is having a tough time because the demon is definitely not nice at all when he attacks you.
Less sex
The Pazuzu of 1973 was very bad-mouthed and used a crucifix in a way that propriety prevents from detailing. Sign of the times: things have calmed down a lot in that area. Especially since its main preys are minor and it is no longer possible to associate them with “ole-ole” content.
More tribute(s)
David Gordon Green and Jason Blum, new masters of horror, seek to escape the shadow of William Friedkin. They did the same for John Carpenter for Halloween. But respect for the great elders is still required. There are references to the 1973 film such as its theme music composed by Mike Oldfield.