Watch American Exorcist
- TV-MA
- 2018
- 1 hr 29 min
-
2.9 (276)
American Exorcist is a horror movie from 2018 that aims to give audiences a new portrayal of exorcisms. The story is set in modern-day America where a group of paranormal investigators who specialise in exorcism come together to help a family in distress. The film stars Bill Moseley as the leader of the investigators, John McKeever as the father of the family and Gemma McIlhenny as the daughter.
From the first few minutes of the movie, you will realise that this is not your typical horror film. The gore and jump scares are not what the movie is about; instead, the director tries to make the audience feel the weight of the psychological terror that the family goes through. The film starts with some background on the family and their struggles, which builds up to the moment they realise that they need help beyond what the physical world can offer.
The Investigator's team is made up of a bunch of individuals with their unique approach to exorcisms. Bill Moseley's portrayal of the leader of the group is awe-inspiring. His character is unapologetically confident in his abilities and what he can achieve. Gemma McIlhenny's character is also interesting; she's the newest member of the team and comes in with a lot to prove. Her character's journey adds a layer of realism to the proceedings, making it easy to relate to her experiences.
When the team reaches the family's property, it's clear that something isn't right. The atmosphere is heavy with an eerie feeling that permeates through the entire location. As the exorcism gets underway, the family goes through a cycle of emotion that is hard to watch. It becomes clear that the demon presence is something they've never faced before.
The scares in American Exorcist come, not from the usual jump scares that we're used to seeing but rather, lies in the quiet moments of the movie. The moments where the camera lingers just a little too long, and the silence is deafening are the moments that set the tone and will give you chills. The movie also incorporates an element of realism in the exorcisms that's missing from most horror movies. It shows that it's not just chanting over a person; it's a process that requires physical and mental strength.
The cinematography of American Exorcist is also noteworthy. The camera angles and use of light build up the tension; you can sense the impending doom in every frame. The film's score also adds to this atmosphere, making anything seem possible, and you don't know what's going to happen next.
One of the things that make American Exorcist stand out is that it is a movie that takes its time. It's not in a rush to get to the action; instead, it carefully builds tension and atmosphere. The movie continually has you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next shoe to drop, and when it does, it hits hard. The film is also notable for the way it plays around with the usual expectations of horror movies, which makes it a refreshing watch.
Overall, American Exorcist is a compelling horror movie that doesn't rely on the usual tropes of the genre. It stands out because of its slow burn approach to storytelling, great performances from the cast, and its emphasis on realism. The movie balances psychology, horror and storytelling in a way that is rare in horror films. If you're looking for a horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then American Exorcist is an excellent pick.
American Exorcist is a 2018 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.9.