The Pope’s Exorcist is said to be inspired by true events and is based on a book written by Father Gabriele Amorth. There’s also scope for a sequel and many parts in this franchise, a la The Conjuring. The film starts on a thrilling note and the introduction of the characters and setting is nicely done. Some moments are genuinely scary. Sadly, the film gets clichéd after a point. Also, the ending is badly cut to hide the frontal nudity shots, as per the orders of the Censor Board of India. In the process, crucial visuals have been deleted and it becomes difficult to understand what happened in the end. Speaking of performances, Russell Crowe is superb, as always, and also raises laughs with his one-liners. Child actor Peter DeSouza-Feighoney (Henry) steals the show. Daniel Zovatto (Father Thomas) gets to shine in the second half. Alex Essoe (Julia) and Laurel Marsden (Amy) are decent. All in all, The Pope’s Exorcist is an average fare.
My rating – ** ½ out of 5!