IR Film Review: THE POPE’S EXORCIST [Screen Gems]

The context of an exorcism movie always paints back to the initial vision of "The Exorcist" which has its own mythology. The reason "The Pope's Exorcist" works on many levels is because it takes the existing history of the church and of Europe into the equation anchored by a solid and engaging performance by Russell Crowe. Crowe plays Father Gabriele Acort, who plies his trade purely at the order of the Pope (played with a beautiful practicality by Franco Nero). His travels take him to an Abbey in Spain where an American child seems to have been possessed. The film works in a haunted house texture while still based in the truth of this man who did exist. Of course, dramatic license can be taken. But like 'The Conjuring" there are many tales to be told. The crux of the movie is around a family where the family patriarch was killed tragically. Acort is sent in to assess the situation.

Crowe finds the balance (although with slightly less friviolity) that Anthony Hopkins found as Van Helsing in "Bram Stoker's Dracula". The humor with the gravitas lifts the picture. What helps is that the story mechanics of what brought the Abbey and the structure of exorcisms in this branch of the church is succinctly and well explained so the entire motivation feels much more earned and yet is still accessible. The story is set in 1987 so there is a reference point of where this man is in his history. Another good balance (though the skill level is different) is Daniel Zuvatto (who had some great moments as the lead in "Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels" --- which really deserved a 2nd season). He plays Father Equisbel but really needed more to do (though when you are playing in the same field with Crowe, there is a deference required). As the movie crescendoes, it keeps itself steady (though some of the effects work could have been a little higher grade). That said, "The Pope's Exorcist" does deliver though it does skirt the line at a few points. B

By Tim Wassberg