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The Exorcist (1973) poster

The Exorcist

dir. William Friedkin · 1973

The struggle between good and evil reveals the depths of human vulnerability and the search for meaning in the face of fear.

Feature
Psychological Horror
Mood
Dark / Tense
Look
stark realism juxtaposed with surreal horror elements
Structure
linear progression with escalating tension
Plot

When a charming 12-year-old girl takes on the characteristics and voices of others, doctors say there is nothing they can do. As people begin to die, the girl's mother realizes her daughter has been possessed by the Devil. Her daughter's only possible hope lies with two priests and the ancient rite of demonic exorcism.

Why watch

"The Exorcist" is a groundbreaking horror film that delves deep into the psychological and spiritual turmoil of possession, pitting the innocence of childhood against the unfathomable nature of evil. Its masterful blend of stark realism and surreal terror makes it a haunting exploration of faith, family, and the unknown.

Talking points
  • the intersection of faith and science
  • the nature of evil
  • trauma and its manifestations
  • the impact of familial relationships in crises
Cultural context
1970s religious skepticismrise of psychological horrorsocietal fears of the occultsuburban malaise

Where this shelves

every shelf · back to the store