My quick rating - 6,3/10. Great soundtrack so far. "The Pope's Exorcist" is a supernatural thriller that follows the journey of Gabriele Amorth, portrayed by Russell Crowe, who plays the role of the Vatican's leading exorcist. The film takes an intriguing premise of investigating the possession of a child and intertwines it with a Vatican conspiracy that has been shrouded in secrecy. With above-average acting and the killer soundtrack I noticed straight away, the movie manages to captivate you to a certain extent since I found myself quite drawn in. I don't often mention music first thing but it sets the mood and enhances the suspenseful atmosphere throughout the film, adding a layer of intensity to the scenes. It effectively creates an eerie and unsettling ambiance, further immersing the audience in the supernatural world the characters navigate. Crowe delivers a commendable performance as the Vatican's exorcist. His portrayal brings a sense of gravitas and conviction to the role, capturing the character's determination and unwavering faith. His acting adds depth and believability to the story, making it easier for the audience to invest in the protagonist's quest. The film draws inspiration from a real person, Gabriele Amorth, and this provides an interesting aspect to the narrative. It offers a glimpse into the world of exorcism and the inner workings of the Vatican, lending a touch of authenticity to the story. This aspect might pique the interest of those fascinated by true events and religious mysteries. While the film manages to create suspense and generate some chilling moments, it doesn't fully capitalize on its potential. The supernatural elements could have been further developed, and the exploration of the Vatican conspiracy could have been more intricate and engaging. Despite its flaws, the flick still provides an entertaining watch for fans of supernatural thrillers and those intrigued by the world of exorcism. It does venture a bit into the fantastic later on but I completely expected that to happen being a big budget production such as this. Based on a true story is always taken with "to an extent" in my head and you can clearly see where the extent was defined in this one. Still an entertaining flick and a nice change of pace for Crowe.
Right now it is still at theater-at-home pricing but the same streamers should have it for less at some point.
