Screen Gems, 2.0 Entertainment and Loyola Productions’ The Pope’s Exorcist (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; A) is a super-natural horror film. It is based on Amorth’s memoris, An Exorcist Tells His Story and An Exorcist: More Stories.
The younger generation demands that Father Gabriele Amorth vacate his position as the chief exorcist of the Pope because they simply do not believe in the presence of a great Evil. According to them, exorcism serves no purpose, it is outdated and unwanted. But a sinister force is lurking in the hallowed halls of the Almighty. Frankly, Father Amorth could be the only person who could vanquish the Evil.
The Pope urges Father Gabriele Amorth (Russell Crowe) to visit the Abbey of San Sebastian in Spain to free a young American boy, Henry (Peter DeSouza-Feighoney), from being possessed. His mother (Alex Essoe) had inherited the medieval building from her husband who had tragically died in an accident. On reaching the site, Father Amorth quickly realises that there’s greater work at play in the Abbey and that an ancient Evil force has polluted the holy grounds and has possessed Henry as his victim. Why has Father Amorth been sent here?
R. Dean McCreary, Chester Hastings and Jeff Katz have written a story with a premise which promises thrills and chills. But the story loses steam quite early on because of an unexciting screenplay penned by Michael Petroni and Evan Spiliotopoulos. The drama affords less chills and thrills than the audience gets prepared for. Even the climax does not make up for the low-on-chills-and-thrills drama.
Russell Crowe does a fine job as Father Gabriele Amorth. Daniel Zovatto is alright as Father Esquibel. Alex Essoe lends decent support as Henry’s mother. Peter DeSouza-Feighoney is adequate as the possessed Henry. Franco Nero makes his presence felt as The Pope. Laurel Marsden (as Amy), Cornell John (as Bishop Lumumba), Ryan O’ Grady (as Cardinal Sullivan), Bianca Pardoe (as Rosaria), Santi Bayón (as Henry’s father), and the others lend the necessary support.
Julius Avery’s direction is fair but the narration fails to scare the daylights out of the audience. Jed Kurzel’s background music ought to have been better and more impactful. Khalid Mohtaseb’s camerawork is of standard. Alan Gilmore’s production designing, and Til Frohlich and Gary McGinty’s art direction are fairly nice. Matt Evans’ editing lacks the cutting edge. Dubbing is alright.
On the whole, The Pope’s Exorcist does not stand much of a chance at the box-office — neither in Hindi nor in English.
Released on 7-4-’23 at Gemini (daily 3 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Sony Pictures Films India Pvt. Ltd. Publicity & opening: dull. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor everywhere.