Exorcist: The Beginning
Years before Father Merrin helped save Regan MacNeil’s soul, he first encounters the demon Pazuzu in East Africa.
Why it matters
A grim descent into the origins of evil that trades subtlety for spectacle, offering a flawed but fascinating chapter in the Exorcist mythos.
- A rare look at Father Merrin’s early battle with Pazuzu, deepening the franchise’s lore despite uneven storytelling.
- Lavish location work in East Africa adds a haunting, sun-bleached atmosphere rarely seen in possession tales.
- Practical effects and makeup deliver some memorable creature moments, even if the CGI occasionally betrays the era.
- For fans curious about franchise prequels and the evolution of possession horror—expect more spectacle than spiritual dread.
Director
Cast
Horror DNA
Gore
100
Slow Burn
50
Psychological
86
Supernatural
100
Creature
0
Disturbing
83
Fun Factor
50
Cerebral
28
Survival
100
Possession
