Prepare to be Spooked with “The Pope’s Exorcist” Streaming on August 16
Russell Crowe in The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)
Get ready for an exhilarating supernatural horror experience on Netflix! “The Pope’s Exorcist” is a spine-chilling film starring Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth, a real-life exorcist who fought demons on behalf of the Pope in the 1980s. Inspired by Father Amorth’s memoirs, the movie is based on his books “An Exorcist Tells His Story” (1990) and its follow-up, “An Exorcist: More Stories” (1992). Directed by Julius Avery and written by Michael Petroni and Evan Spiliotopoulous, this hair-raising thriller will make its Netflix debut on August 16, just in time for Halloween.
Unleashing the Terrifying Tale
Father Amorth, portrayed by Russell Crowe, embarks on a harrowing mission alongside local priest Tomas Esquibel, played by Daniel Zovatto. Together, they strive to rid a young boy named Henry, possessed by the Judeao-Islamic demon Asmodeus, of his torment. As the story unfolds, the film takes viewers on a suspenseful journey through Spain and Rome, revealing the duo’s struggles and triumphs in their battle against the forces of evil. The movie concludes with Father Amorth and Esquibel planning their next exorcism based on a list of church-deemed evil sites.
Behind the Scenes: From Development to Filming
“The Pope’s Exorcist” began its development in October 2020 when Screen Gems acquired the rights to Father Gabriele Amorth’s captivating exorcism tales. Originally slated to be directed by Angel Gomez, the film later saw a change in leadership, with Julius Avery taking the helm. In 2022, Russell Crowe joined the project, followed by Alex Essoe and Daniel Zovatto the following month. Filming spanned three months across locations in Ireland, Rome, and Italy. During this time, Crowe’s creativity led to the inclusion of a Lambretta scooter as Father Amorth’s preferred mode of transportation, inspired by observations of Italian priests zipping through the streets.
Crowe’s Immersive Journey to Portray Father Amorth
To truly embody the character of Father Amorth, Russell Crowe dedicated himself to extensive research and preparation. He even had the privilege of meeting one of the late priest’s close friends, who claimed to have accompanied Father Amorth on over 150 exorcisms. During this process, Crowe discovered that Father Amorth’s favorite film was the iconic 1973 horror classic, “The Exorcist.” Ironically, this film serves as the benchmark against which all exorcism movies, including “The Pope’s Exorcist,” are measured. Furthermore, Father Amorth formed a deep friendship with William Friedkin, the director of “The Exorcist.”
Reception and Future Possibilities
Upon its theatrical release in April, “The Pope’s Exorcist” amassed a global box office total of $75.7 million, exceeding its estimated $18 million budget. While it achieved financial success, critical reviews were somewhat mixed. The movie garnered a 49 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus suggesting that Russell Crowe’s performance rescued an otherwise conventional possession film. The International Association of Exorcists, an entity that may come as a surprise to many, was especially critical of the movie. They deemed it “pretentious” and claimed that it created doubt about the “real enemy” between Satan and the church.
Despite the Catholic Church’s reservations, “The Pope’s Exorcist” has proven successful enough to warrant a sequel currently in early development. Fans can anticipate Russell Crowe reprising his role as Father Amorth, but whether the sequel will head to theaters or opt for a streaming release, similar to its predecessor, remains unclear. The decision is likely to depend on the movie’s performance on Netflix later this month.
In the meantime, Russell Crowe is immersed in another artistic endeavor. He is simultaneously pursuing a documentary titled “Last Breath,” which delves into his musical career and the challenges of maintaining it while being an A-list actor. This ongoing project offers a unique glimpse into Crowe’s passion for music and his talent for juggling multiple creative pursuits.
So mark your calendars and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Ratingperson brings you “The Pope’s Exorcist” on Netflix starting August 16. Gather your communion wafers and holy water, and brace yourself for a thrilling ride into the supernatural!