The Pope’s Exorcist Review: Sell Your Soul To Crowe and Be Devilishly Entertained

In this ludicrous romp, demon prince Asmodeus goes toe-to-toe with none other than Russell Crowe, who plays Father Gabriele Amorth, a Vatican demon-wrangler with a penchant for Italian accents and swanky scooters.

The Pope’s Exorcist is essentially a buddy priest film that throws us back to 1987, with Crowe’s Father Gabriele tackling demonic possessions and banishments. The plot takes a turn when an ancient evil awakens beneath a massive ruined abbey in Spain, targeting a grieving American family. As their young son Henry, played by Peter DeSouza-Feighoney, becomes possessed, enter the sensitive Father Matthew (Daniel Zovatto), whose presence prompts the demon to demand the “right” priest.

Director Julius Avery, known for his zombified Nazis in lackluster Overlord (2018), delivers a film that finds a balance between the ridiculous and the thrilling. The action shifts from the possessed boy’s bedroom to the catacombs below, culminating in a gory showdown. While the film’s script doesn’t take itself too seriously, it does falter when attempting to ground the story in psychological reality, exploring the trauma of its characters.

Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Father Gabriele is undeniably fun, and the movie’s success largely depends on the audience’s willingness to embrace his over-the-top performance. The supporting cast, including Ralph Ineson as the voice of Asmodeus and Franco Nero as the Pope, delivers mixed results.

The film pays homage to the exorcism genre but falls short of reaching the heights of the iconic The Exorcist, which masterfully showcased Linda Blair’s performance as a possessed girl. The Pope’s Exorcist can be seen as a campy, one-time indulgence in comparison.

Despite its shortcomings, The Pope’s Exorcist manages to entertain with its offbeat humor and absurdity. It’s a film that shouldn’t work, but in the end, it just about pulls it off, proving that divine intervention can come in mysterious ways.

RATING: 3.0 out of 5.0

The Pope’s Exorcist is in theater now.

20x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults and Kids,High Powered Large Eyepiece Waterproof Binoculars for Hunters,Easy Focus Bird Watching for Outdoor Hiking Travel, Black

(9)

$19.99 (as of April 29, 2025 21:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

eos Shea Better Body Lotion- Vanilla Cashmere, 24-Hour Moisture Skin Care, Lightweight & Non-Greasy, Made with Natural Shea, Vegan, 16 fl oz

(37658)

$8.98 (as of April 29, 2025 21:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Damflew Green Laser Pointer High Power Pen - Long Range Rechargeable Laser Beam, USB Charging for Hiking, Presentations & Outdoor Use (Professional-Grade Green Light)

(92)

$12.99 (as of April 29, 2025 21:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus with motion-activated 1080p HD video, White (2021 release)

(37585)

$119.99 (as of April 29, 2025 21:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

NTIERA Replacement Lid for Owala Freesip Water Bottle, Compatible with Owala Lid and Cap, Premium Accessories for 16oz 24oz 32oz 40oz Bottles,Leak-Proof,BPA-Free

(181)

$7.64 (as of April 29, 2025 21:29 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)