Watch The Exorcist

The Exorcist, released in 1973, is a classic horror film that has become an icon in the genre. Directed by William Friedkin and starring some of the most talented actors of the time, including Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, and Linda Blair, the movie tells the story of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a demon, and the efforts of two priests to exorcise her.

The movie begins by introducing the audience to Chris (Burstyn), a famous actress who lives with her daughter Regan (Blair) in a picturesque house in Georgetown, Washington D.C. Regan seems like a normal, happy child at first, but things start to go awry when strange things begin happening in the house. Regan starts acting bizarrely, including speaking in tongues and displaying superhuman strength. When medical professionals can find no physical reason for her behavior, Chris turns to two priests for help.

That's when Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) and Father Lankester Merrin (von Sydow) enter the picture. Karras is a psychiatrist who is also a Jesuit priest, and Merrin is an experienced exorcist who has battled demons in places like Egypt and Iraq. As their efforts to help Regan progress, they begin to learn more about the demon that has possessed her, and the battle becomes increasingly intense.

The Exorcist was not just a horror movie; it was a cultural phenomenon. When it was first released, it sparked protests and even riots outside of theaters. Some critics accused the movie of being obscene and blasphemous, and others praised it for its masterful direction and groundbreaking special effects. The movie was also the first horror film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, solidifying its place in cinema history.

Part of what made The Exorcist so terrifying was its realism. The movie was based on a novel by William Peter Blatty, who claimed that he was inspired by an actual exorcism that took place in 1949. Blatty's extensive research into the world of exorcism helped create a movie that felt authentic and terrifying, and the graphic special effects and sound design only added to its power.

The performances in The Exorcist were also top-notch. Ellen Burstyn was especially powerful as Chris, conveying the terror and desperation of a mother trying to save her child. Linda Blair, who was only 12 years old at the time, was memorable as the possessed Regan, delivering some truly chilling lines and physical acting. And of course, Max von Sydow brought gravitas and authority to his role as Father Merrin, the experienced exorcist.

One of the most iconic scenes in The Exorcist was the exorcism itself. It was a grueling, intense sequence that took weeks to film and required Blair to endure some uncomfortable and painful makeup and prosthetics. The sequence was disturbing, unnerving, and unforgettable, featuring Blair's possessed voice, contorted body, and disturbingly realistic makeup.

Despite its controversial subject matter and disturbing images, The Exorcist has endured as a classic horror film that continues to scare and enthrall audiences today. Its influence can be seen in countless horror movies that have come since, and its legacy as a groundbreaking, influential piece of cinema remains as strong as ever.

In conclusion, The Exorcist is a classic horror movie that tells the terrifying story of a young girl who becomes possessed by a demon, and the efforts of two priests to exorcise her. With realistic and disturbing special effects, powerful performances, and a challenging subject matter, the movie is a cultural icon that continues to scare audiences to this day, standing out as an unforgettable moment in horror movie history.

The Exorcist is a 1973 horror movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 81.