Film: The Pope’s Exorcist
Cast: Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto, Alex Essoe, Franco Nero, Laurel Marsden, Cornell John, Ralph Ineson, River Hawkins
Director: Julius Avery
Rating: 2.5/ 5

This historical horror thriller is inspired by the case files of Father Gabriele of Amorth who performed and documented over 100,000 exorcisms in his lifetime. The colourful and controversial priest who started his exorcisms by thumbing his nose at the devil was appointed exorcist by no less than the Pope. He was also the founder of the Vatican-approved International Association of Exorcists, an organisation composed of hundreds of exorcists worldwide.
 
The film opens with a young Father Thomas struggling with his faith after experiencing a personal tragedy. However, he is soon called to help Father Amorth (Russell Crowe), an experienced exorcist who has been performing exorcisms for many years. Italian legend Franco Nero plays the Pope who directly appoints Amorth to the case.

The film’s effects are rather old school with minimal CGI. This not only lends nostalgic value to the horror sequences but also makes them more realistic and visceral.