“The Exorcist: Believer” Set to Terrify a New Generation with Direct Sequel to Classic Horror Film
There are demons, and then there are demons. While the horror genre is filled with possession films, few have matched the level of fear and originality, not to mention overall quality, of the series that first put white eyes, a growling voice, and pea soup all over the horror map 50 years ago. Now, director David Gordon Green is bringing “The Exorcist” back for a whole new generation with a direct sequel to the original film. “The Exorcist: Believer” is set to arrive in theaters this October, marking the sixth film in the series and the start of a new trilogy, with “The Exorcist: Deceiver” expected to follow next year.
The last film in the official series was released back in 2005, leaving many viewers struggling to keep up with the priests and Pazuzus. But fear not, as we’re here to save your soul, or at least your time, by providing you with everything you need to know about “The Exorcist” series. The original film, released in 1973, remains an unmatched classic in horror cinema. Directed by William Friedkin and based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, the film explores how a modern secular society would handle an attack by a supernatural demonic entity. It follows the story of Chris MacNeil (played by Ellen Burstyn), a Hollywood actress living in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., with her young daughter Regan (Linda Blair). When Regan begins exhibiting strange and violent behavior, Chris seeks medical help but finds no answers. Eventually, she turns to exorcists to rid her daughter of the malevolent spirit.
“The Exorcist” was groundbreaking in its use of makeup effects, subliminal images, and eerie sound effects to create a sense of dread. It also tapped into timely theological debates about the nature of evil, leaving audiences terrified that the movie itself would possess them. Despite these fears, the film was a box office phenomenon, appealing to both teenagers and parents who could relate to the fear of a child turning into someone vile and vulgar. It was also the first horror film to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award.
Following the success of “The Exorcist,” a number of copycat films were released, including “Abby,” a Blaxploitation take on the original, and “Beyond the Door,” a blatant imitation that led to a lawsuit between the filmmakers and Twentieth Century Fox. Despite the influx of rip-offs, “The Exorcist” remained a cultural touchstone, and its influence can still be seen in horror films today.
Now, “The Exorcist” is returning with “The Exorcist: Believer,” a direct sequel to the original film. Directed by David Gordon Green, who previously breathed new life into the “Halloween” franchise, the film aims to terrify a new generation of audiences. With its release just around the corner, fans of the series can look forward to another thrilling chapter in the ongoing battle against demonic forces.
“The Exorcist: Believer” is set to hit theaters this October, so get ready to be possessed by fear once again.
Original Story at mashable.com – 2023-10-01 09:00:00
