Something almost beyond comprehension is happening to a girl on this street, in this house…And a man has been sent for as a last resort. This man is The Exorcist.
When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
- Harm to children
Log it
Sign in to log this.
Character
Earnest, grave, bleak and classical in form.
- earnestironic
- gravecomic
- warmbleak
- classical in formformally daring
- contemplativerelentless
Who loves it, who doesn't
53 profiled raters. Loved most by The Prestige Hunters; disliked most by The Comfort Seekers.
Where do you stand?
Answer first; then see how everyone, and your circle, split.
“Is The Exorcist emotionally manipulative?”
Sign in to answer.
Be the first to answer.
“Is this William Friedkin's best work?”
Sign in to answer.
Be the first to answer.
“Is Regan MacNeil the real protagonist?”
Sign in to answer.
Be the first to answer.
Ask the title
A yes-or-no question, answered from what people wrote here, on TMDB and on Wikipedia. Never made up.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
Reviews on TMDB
Written by TMDB members; each links to the original. Not part of Curator Co.'s numbers.
- Potential Kermodeon TMDB · Feb 20176/10
**Shocking rather than frightening.** Friedkin's The Exorcist is a film that shocks rather than scares. A well made film that achieved notoriety via pea soup. A slow and intelligent film with strong performances - yet also a mostly disappointing one for those who dare to go beyond the hype and actually _experience_ it for the first time. For a film that _does_ succeed in frightening the audience and with none of the hype - I recommend The Changeling starring George C Scott. Now **THAT** is a scary movie.
Read the whole review on TMDB - griggs79on TMDB · Oct 202410/10
The 4K restoration of The Exorcist is absolutely stunning. Every frame has been enhanced to reveal richer textures, making the eerie details of Regan's demonic possession even more unsettling. The colours in key scenes are now more vivid, adding depth to the already tense atmosphere. Iconic moments, such as Father Merrin's arrival under the streetlight and Regan's head spin, have been revitalized, making them feel even more intense. The film's haunting interiors, from Regan's dimly lit bedroom to the unsettling atmosphere of Father Karras's moments of doubt, now have a newfound clarity that enhances the immersive terror.
Read the whole review on TMDB - RalphRahalon TMDB · Feb 20259/10
The Exorcist (1973) is one of those horror films that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It sets itself apart with an eerie, slow-building tension rather than relying on cheap scares. The story follows a young girl who begins exhibiting disturbing behavior, leading her mother to seek help from both medical professionals and, eventually, the church. The plot is simple but highly effective, creating an unsettling atmosphere that feels grounded in reality. It doesn’t waste time on unnecessary subplots, keeping the focus tight and the tension high. William Friedkin’s direction is masterful, balancing realism with the supernatural in a way that makes everything feel disturbingly possible. The opening in the desert is a great example, setting up the film’s themes with a quiet unease before shifting to the main story. The cinematography reinforces the horror without feeling over-stylized, using dim lighting, tight framing, and cold color tones to build dread. The way the camera lingers just long enough on certain shots makes you feel like you’re watching something you shouldn’t be. The acting is phenomenal across the board, but the standout performance is from Linda Blair as the
Read the whole review on TMDB
Cast
- Ellen BurstynChris MacNeil
- Linda BlairRegan MacNeil
- Jason MillerFather Damien Karras
- Max von SydowFather Lankester Merrin
- Lee J. CobbLt. Bill Kinderman
- William O'MalleyFather Joseph Kevin Dyer
- Kitty WinnSharon Spencer
- Barton HeymanDr. Klein
- Peter MastersonDr. Barringer
- Jack MacGowranBurke Dennings
Crew
- William FriedkinDirector
- William Peter BlattyScreenplay
- William Peter BlattyNovel
- Owen RoizmanDirector of Photography
- Jack NitzscheOriginal Music Composer
- Norman GayEditor
- Evan A. LottmanEditor
- Bud S. SmithEditor
- William Peter BlattyProducer
Where to watch
Checking availability…
Pairings
Companions we picked from the closest works, and how to take them.
Similar in taste
Closest on the same fourteen dimensions, from everything scored on Curator Co. Other media included when they land close.
The Wrong Man 195679% alikeBoth earnest, grave, classical in form.
Man in the Wilderness 197177% alikeBoth earnest, grave, contemplative.
Scarlet Street 194577% alikeBoth earnest, grave, bleak.
I Confess 195376% alikeBoth earnest, grave, classical in form.
The Others 200176% alikeBoth earnest, grave, classical in form.
The Road Dance 202275% alikeBoth earnest, grave, classical in form.
Firebrand 202475% alikeBoth grave, earnest, classical in form.
The Secret in Their Eyes 200975% alikeBoth earnest, grave, meticulous.
Black Bird 202276% alikeSeries · Both earnest, grave, classical in form.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent 201074% alikeGame · Both earnest, grave, bleak.
Often watched with
Recommendations from TMDB. Opening one adds it to Curator Co.
