The Exorcism (2024)

The Exorcism (2024): A Meta-Horror That Struggles to Cast a Lasting Spell

The Exorcism, directed by Joshua John Miller and starring Russell Crowe, was released in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2024, followed by a digital release on July 9. This supernatural horror thriller blends a behind-the-scenes Hollywood narrative with classic exorcism lore, offering a meta twist on genre conventions 

Crowe portrays Anthony Miller, a washed-up actor with a history of addiction and personal loss, who joins the cast of a horror remake titled The Georgetown Project. His estranged daughter Lee (Ryan Simpkins) becomes alarmed when he begins exhibiting bizarre behavior—blurring the lines between method acting, relapse, or genuine demonic possession 

As strange occurrences escalate on set, Anthony’s unraveling draws in a supporting cast featuring Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg, and David Hyde Pierce as Father Conor—the seasoned priest 

Crowe anchors the film with committed, intense work. Critics acknowledged his powerful presence, though opinions varied: he is sometimes seen “boiling-oil” terrifying, yet trapped in a weak script 

Simpkins brings emotional resonance as the worried daughter 

Hyde Pierce earns praise—“earnest and believable”—though his role is underwritten 

Miller’s vision drew on his personal connection: he is the son of Jason Miller, who starred in The Exorcist, and he references 1970s set folklore for authenticity 

The film’s self-referential setup intrigued some viewers, but many agree it lost momentum transitioning into standard horror tropes. Initially hailed as a meta-commentary on exorcism filmmaking, the story eventually relies on familiar Catholic clichés, contortion scenes, and dramatic possession stakes 

Critics often remarked that the promising psychological setup gave way to conventional exorcism horror. One review noted its final act "suddenly turns into an exorcism movie…coming off as silly" 

Audience reactions were mixed—Rotten Tomatoes reported a 27% critic score and a 35% audience rating 

The Exorcism offers an interesting meta twist rooted in genre history and features standout performances, especially from Crowe and Hyde Pierce. However, it struggles with tonal inconsistency, underdeveloped characters, and a descent into familiar horror tropes. While it may engage viewers drawn to psychological drama over gore, audiences seeking a fresh, genuinely frightening exorcism tale may feel let down.