I wasn't anticipating much from The Exorcism, and my initial puzzlement regarding whether it was connected to Russell Crowe's previous exorcism movie from last year (The Pope's Exorcist, 2023) didn’t exactly improve things. Still, the first portion of the film proved surprisingly captivating. The mood and the enigmas woven into the story held my attention, creating a feeling of dread that kept me invested. The movie does a good job establishing an unsettling atmosphere that is both eerie and absorbing. The visuals and the way the sets were designed contribute to a sense of growing fear, with dark rooms and indistinct shapes adding to the suspense. Russell Crowe gives a noteworthy performance as an older actor who seems to be losing his mind—or possibly being possessed. His portrayal has depth, capturing the uncertainty of a man unsure whether he’s losing control or being taken over by something else. For example, his interactions with other characters, like a doubtful priest and a worried family member, are filled with a rising feeling of discomfort, which effectively builds tension. Crowe's gradual change from self-assured to increasingly unpredictable is one of the film’s better aspects. Unfortunately, the movie unravels in the final act. What had been a carefully planned story descends into disorder, and the ending feels completely detached from what preceded it. The last scenes abandon the unsettling mood in favor of exaggerated action and effects, which diminish the psychological horror that had been so painstakingly created. The conclusion doesn’t provide any sense of closure because it just doesn't make logical sense. The carefully developed mysteries and character development are discarded for an ending that feels more like a showy display than a natural continuation of the story. This sudden shift leaves you with more questions than answers, and not in a way that encourages contemplation, but rather in a way that feels frustrating and unfinished. The Exorcism is added to a long list of exorcism films that haven’t quite succeeded. While it begins well, establishing an intriguing atmosphere and strong character relationships, it ultimately fails to deliver a complete or satisfying story. The final act's departure from the established tone and structure highlights the film’s inability to maintain the tension and mystery it initially sets up. Overall, The Exorcism is a movie that showed promise but ultimately disappoints. Russell Crowe's performance and the initial atmospheric build-up are admirable, but the film’s chaotic and illogical final act leaves much to be desired. As another entry in the exorcism genre, it doesn’t distinguish itself and instead becomes just another example of a film that starts well but loses its direction, leaving viewers feeling let down and disconnected.

Source on TMDB