Well-made television movie(made for Showtime)that tells the true story(so we are told) of the only modern American Exorcism rite performed by the Roman Catholic Church. This film is compelling in its nature as it draws the viewer in to see a priest battle with his own private demons only to fight with the real thing squatting in the body of a young boy named Robbie. The film is beautifully shot and possesses some wonderfully creepy scenes that enhance the mood of tension and foreboding. The acting is the best thing, however, as Timothy Dalton never acted better. He is so very convincing in the role of the priest with a tough exterior and a head full of painful memories from World War II. The young actor playing Robbie is very gifted and convincing too. Christopher Plummer adds a nice small role as an archbishop more concerned with publicity and image than healing and souls. The film has much going for it. Good story, artful direction, excellent acting, and some fine philosophical points of contention to gnaw on a bit. Is it better than The Exorcist? Yes and no. It does not carry the impact of that film, nor does it in anyway contain the shocking scenes that film employed. No crucifix masterbation here, etc.. In fact no one dies in this film. What it lacks in scares is really a better sense of what an exorcism is and what the rite actually meant. Interesting to me but perhaps not to all. So if you want some intelligent horror...look no further. Watch The Exorcist again too...another great film in its own way.
