The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)

★☆☆☆☆

A Faux Apology Sidestepping Responsibility

The Pope's Exorcist (2023) attempts to draw audiences into the eerie world of possession and the Vatican's covert operations, but ultimately fails to address real-world issues. Directed by Julius Avery delves into the murky depths of faith, doubt, and corruption, but sadly misses the mark.

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One of the film's biggest shortcomings is Russell Crowe's portrayal of Father Gabriele Amorth, the Chief Exorcist of the Vatican. While Crowe is undoubtedly a talented actor, his performance in this role feels uncanny and out of place. His presence distracts viewers from the narrative and undermines their immersion in the story. This miscasting choice becomes an obstacle for audiences who are trying to connect with the characters and their struggles.

Moreover, The Pope's Exorcist is yet another addition to the long list of generic exorcist movies that have flooded the market over the years. Although the film initially appears to tackle the recent sexual assault scandal within the Catholic Church, it frustratingly sidesteps any responsibility by placing the blame on the devil. This faux apology not only weakens the film's potential to address this important issue, but also reinforces the narrative of innocence for the clergyman, absolving them of any wrongdoing.

What exacerbates the film's shortcomings is its shameless attempt to lay the groundwork for an "Exorcist Expanded Universe," using Crowe's character as the central figure traveling the world to perform exorcisms. This approach seems more focused on setting up potential sequels and spin-offs rather than crafting a compelling and thought-provoking story. It diminishes the potential for the movie to stand on its own merits and instead reduces it to a mere launching pad for future profit-driven endeavors.

Furthermore, The Pope's Exorcist concludes with an end scene that is more laughable than serious. The statement,

Father Gabriele Amorth continued to serve the afflicted until his death in Rome in 2016 and wrote many books. The books are good.

—appears on the screen, and feels out of place in the film's formal tone. This closing moment undermines the weight of the narrative and leaves viewers questioning the overall integrity of the production.

While it may provide some fleeting moments of suspense and intrigue, the film ultimately falls flat. Its weak attempts to establish an expanded universe and its comedic end scene further hinder any chance of becoming a memorable and impactful cinematic experience.