The Exorcist

1973

2h 2m

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

8.2K

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99+ Images

Horror

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.

Directors

William Friedkin

Writers

William Peter Blatty(novel by)

William Peter Blatty(screenplay by)

Stars

Ellen Burstyn

Linda Blair

Jason Miller

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Videos35

Photos300

Top cast

Chris MacNeil

Regan MacNeil

Father Damien Karras

Father Lankester Merrin

Lee J. Cobb

Lt. Bill Kinderman

William O'Malley

Father Joseph Kevin Dyer

Sharon Spencer

Burke Dennings

Dr. Klein

Dr. Barringer

Karl

Willi

Dr. Taney

Psychiatrist

Tom

Mary Karras

Uncle John

Language Lab Director

Directors

William Friedkin

Writers

William Peter Blatty(novel by)

William Peter Blatty(screenplay by)

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User reviews3

Review

Featured review

9/10

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 possessed girl. She delivers a chilling performance that makes the supernatural feel shockingly real. Ellen Burstyn and Max von Sydow bring depth to their roles, adding weight to the film’s emotional core. The dialogue feels natural, which makes the disturbing moments hit even harder. The script is smartly written, giving just enough exposition without over-explaining, letting the horror unfold naturally. The sound design and score elevate the entire experience. The use of silence is just as effective as the unsettling sounds that creep in at the right moments. The film’s signature theme, Tubular Bells, is simple yet haunting, perfectly setting the tone for the film. The shock scenes are well-timed and never feel excessive, keeping the horror grounded rather than over-the-top. The Exorcist still holds up today as one of the most well-crafted horror films ever made, blending strong storytelling, unsettling direction, and incredible performances into something unforgettable.

RalphRahal13 Feb, 2025