The exorcism. One of the most chilling and horrific events that can happen in a horror movie. If done right, an exorcism scene is one that will stay with viewers for a long time. To celebrate the release of The Vatican Tapes, we look back at the Top 7 Exorcisms in Horror.
Some honorable mentions we have to present include Exorcismus and [REC] 2. And there are plenty of possessions in horror that didn’t result in an exorcism, including Stigmata, The Taking of Deborah Logan, and The Possession of Michael King. But the real power is in the exorcism ceremony itself, and here are some of the most memorable ones ever.
We bring you our…
The Exorcist (1973)
Look, you knew this one is coming, so why don’t we just start the list here? And it’s fitting because the entire list actually does start here. The Exorcist is still considered by many (present company included) to be the scariest movie of all time…by a long shot. The combination of so many things went right to create the ultimate nightmare in Regan MacNeil’s bedroom: the shocking imagery, the intensely creepy sounds, the priest losing his faith, and the grizzled veteran exorcist. These factors merged to create a film that would stick with audiences for over 40 years. The subsequent sequels and prequels all contained cool exorcisms and exorcist-themed scenes as well, but we’ll put them to the back and let this one, The Exorcist, the granddaddy of all horror films, stand and represent the subject matter.
The Conjuring (2013)
Although certainly known more as a film about a haunting and the paranormal investigatory work of Ed and Lorraine Warren, James Wan’s The Conjuring contains a pretty badass exorcism scene of its own. Set on a family farmhouse in Rhode Island in 1971, The Conjuring follows the strange case of the Perrons and their battle with evil. The film culminates with the possession of Carolyn Perron (played amazingly by Lili Taylor) by the spirit of Bathsheba Sherman and an exorcism performed by none other than Ed Warren himself. Once again, a combination of strong imagery and haunting sounds (not to mention Taylor leaving it all on the table with her performance) made this an incredibly powerful scene and one of the more memorable ones in the exorcism sub-genre of horror.
The Last Exorcism (2010)
The Last Exorcism borrows from William Freidkin’s The Exorcist as just about every film on this list does. Of course the look of the possessed is pretty standard throughout these movies, and this film also contained a priest that was at the end of his run. In fact, Reverend Cotton Marcus had gone well beyond questioning his faith as Father Damien Karras had in The Exorcist and had blatantly begun to financially capitalize on his non-belief. But The Last Exorcism stepped things up visually with Ashley Bell as Nell Sweetzer, the victim of the possession. Director Daniel Stamm used Bell’s uncanny ability to contort her body in incredibly painful looking positions to make her possession seem very realistic, as if the demon was twisting her body from the inside. The film could have used a bit of work in the sound department as a terrifically demonic voice would have really driven the possession home, but it was a smashing success and brought exorcisms back to the forefront of horror.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Fueled by an advertising campaign that had audiences flocking to the theaters, The Exorcism of Emily Rose ended up giving viewers a bit of a curveball as they came in expecting split pea soup vomited over a dirty nightgown while all sorts of profanity was spewed about, but they got something much different. As it turned out, The Exorcism of Emily Rose was as much a courtroom drama as it was a horror film. Loosely based on the true case of Anneliese Michel, a teenage girl who was killed during the course of an exorcism to expel a supposed demon, The Exorcism of Emily Rose still managed to intrigue audiences with an interesting story and the performance of a young Jennifer Carpenter as Emily. Much like Bell in The Last Exorcism, Carpenter used her amazing physical prowess to perform snake-like contortions that drove home the realism of the possession scenes. Carpenter would soon after skyrocket to fame as the year after The Exorcism of Emily Rose, she arrived on television as Debra Morgan in “Dexter.”
The Rite (2011 )
Okay, so if Anthony Hopkins wasn’t nightmarish enough as Hannibal Lecter, The Rite brings us the legendary actor as the victim of a possession, first as an exorcist, then as an exorcisee. And just like every other role we’ve ever seen him in, ever, Hopkins is amazing as the possessed. Although most films involving exorcisms are religious, The Rite is even more religiously based than most, following the story of a young priest who is recruited to become a new exorcist because of his strong, calm demeanor and ability to handle stressful situations with amazing poise. Again, we have a priest who is struggling with his faith before facing unspeakable evil. Father Michael, however, is luckier than some of the other priests we’ve discussed as he uses his experience facing the demon, Baal, to help him reignite his faith and return to his service.
Constantine (2005)
I think we can safely say that there was never an exorcist as cool as Keanu Reeves as John Constantine. When you’re so self-confident that you stroll in to perform an exorcism and don’t even bother putting your cigarette out, that’s pretty cool. That’s goddamn Fonzie cool. And then to not only anger the demon by taunting it, but then punch it right in the fucking face… John Constantine, you are our hero! Needless to say, if more exorcists knew how to handle themselves on a day-to-day basis like this, there would be much less demonic disruption in the world. For a master class on “Exorcism: How It’s Done,” check out the video clip below. Subtitles have been randomly included for our Dutch friends. Enjoy.
“American Horror Story: Asylum”
In the “Asylum” season of “American Horror Story”, it seemed that the creators wanted to work in as much insanity as possible. A serial killer, a Nazi doctor, aliens, monsters in the garden, hell, even Anne Frank made an appearance. So, amongst all this craziness, you knew an exorcism would have to get worked in there. As much an homage to the original nightmare of The Exorcist as you can get, “American Horror Story: Asylum” staged a fantastic exorcism that was incredibly reminiscent of the original terror but reversed the sexual roles with a teenage boy being the victim of the possession. Of course, the demon was exorcized, but it didn’t go far. Sister Mary Eunice provided the next landing place for the unholy creature… and then Sister Mary Eunice provided great entertainment for us all for the rest of the “Asylum” season! Check out this clip, which shows a fantastic comparison of the “American Horror Story” exorcism with The Exorcist.
The Vatican Tapes is directed by Mark Neveldine (Crank). The demonic possession drama stars Michael Pena (interview), Djimon Hounsou, Dougray Scott, Cas Anvar, Peter Andersson, and Olivia Dudley (interview).
Look for it on July 24th from Lionsgate.
Synopsis:
THE VATICAN TAPES follows the ultimate battle between good and evil- God versus Satan. Angela Holmes (Dudley) is an ordinary 27-year-old until she begins to have a devastating effect on anyone close, causing serious injury and death. Holmes is examined and possession is suspected, but when the Vatican is called upon to exorcise the demon, the possession proves to be an ancient satanic force more powerful than ever imagined. It’s all up to Father Lozano (Pena) to wage war for more than just Angela’s soul, but for the world as we know it.