Demonic possessions onscreen typically follow a rigid formula. Men of the cloth gather around some poor youngster - oh, and it's always an unfortunate outcast kid - sprinkle them in holy water and recite exorcism rites. It worked in the original Exorcist movie, right? But that was over forty years ago. Today's audiences need something more modern, something that reflects contemporary society... I've got it! Priests with firearms! That is but one wacky element of Fox's The Exorcist TV reboot. Check out the bonkers new trailer which debuted at San Diego Comic Con:
Based on this preview alone, it's clear that Fox isn't attempting to remake William Friedkin's superb horror classic. That's not to say it's not very, very similar in its story choices; we've another pair of priests, each with their own approach to demonic battles, and a worried mother (Geena Davis) desperate for answers about her haunted home and potentially-haunted children.
Stylistically? It couldn't be more different. This looks like a fast-paced action show with flashes of 20th century horror tropes chucked in for good measure. As our own Louise noted in the last trailer, there's a Blumhouse feel to the darker elements (that kid's eye!) and the attic scenes are reminiscent of REC's final act.
What's likely to save this are the performances of its cast, and hopefully it will avoid all the obvious horror scares for something a little more nuanced. Just like the original movie.
Directed by Rupert Wyatt, and starring Geena Davis, Alan Ruck, Brianne Howey, Alfonso Herrera and Ben Daniels, The Exorcist is set to premiere on Fox September 23 in the US.
Images: Fox
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