Looking for a good scare? The Exorcist is a horror classic that has been terrifying audiences since its release in 1973. There have been multiple sequels and adaptations of this film, but none have been able to capture the same suspense and terror that the original did. In this post, we’ll take a look at the plot, characters, and overall impact of this iconic horror film.
The Exorcist
Brief Overview
The Exorcist follows the story of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a demon. A Jesuit priest, Father Damien Karras, is brought in to perform an exorcism and save her soul. The film is based on a novel by William Peter Blatty and was directed by William Friedkin. It stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, and Linda Blair in her breakout role as Regan.
Plot
The film opens with an archaeologist uncovering an ancient artifact in Iraq. This sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to Regan’s possession. Regan is a happy and healthy young girl living in Georgetown with her mother, Chris, who is an actress. After playing with a Ouija board and experiencing strange occurrences in her home, Regan begins to exhibit alarming and erratic behavior. She becomes violent and self-harms, leading her mother to seek medical help. When traditional medicine fails, Chris brings in Father Karras to perform an exorcism.
Characters & Performance
The standout performance in The Exorcist is undoubtedly Linda Blair as Regan. She was only 13 at the time of filming, but she delivers a stunning and terrifying performance. Ellen Burstyn is also excellent as Regan’s mother, Chris. Max von Sydow brings gravitas to his role as Father Merrin, the priest who performs the exorcism with Father Karras. Jason Miller plays Father Karras with a quiet intensity that balances well with the more dramatic scenes.
Effects
The Exorcist is known for its groundbreaking practical effects. The team behind the film went to great lengths to create realistic and horrifying physical transformations for Regan’s possessed state. From the pea soup vomit to the rotating head, the effects are still impressive to this day.
Soundtrack
The Exorcist’s iconic score was composed by Mike Oldfield. The haunting melody adds to the film’s sense of dread and terror. The film also features the hit song “Tubular Bells,” which became a sensation after the film’s release.
Cinematography
The Exorcist is a beautifully shot film, with cinematography by Owen Roizman. The use of shadow and light adds to the film’s ominous feeling. The scenes in Iraq are especially striking, with the desert landscape adding to the film’s sense of foreboding.
Directing
William Friedkin’s direction of The Exorcist is masterful. He maintains a sense of tension and dread throughout the film, making for an incredibly suspenseful watch. The use of practical effects and lighting add to the film’s realism.
Streaming Platforms
If you want to watch The Exorcist online, there are a few options available. You can stream it on Hulu or rent it from Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, or YouTube. The film is also available for purchase on these platforms.
How To Watch
To stream The Exorcist on Hulu, you will need a subscription to the service. You can sign up for a free trial to check it out. To rent or purchase the film on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, or YouTube, you will need to have an account with these services and a valid payment method.
Rental and Purchase Options
The Exorcist is available to rent or purchase on several platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and YouTube. Rental prices vary, but generally range from $2.99 to $4.99. Purchase prices range from $9.99 to $14.99.
Pricing and Available Formats
The pricing for The Exorcist varies depending on which platform you choose. Amazon Prime Video allows you to purchase the film in HD for $14.99. Google Play and YouTube offer it in HD for $12.99. These platforms allow you to stream the film in HD, but do not offer physical copies.
Free Streaming Options
While The Exorcist is not available for free streaming on any major platforms, there are some ways to watch it for free. Some libraries offer streaming services that include The Exorcist. You can also sign up for a free trial of Hulu to watch the film.
Torrenting and Piracy Warning
We do not condone or endorse illegal streaming or torrenting. It is important to support content creators by purchasing or renting their work legally. Piracy is illegal and can lead to legal trouble.
VPNs for Geo-Restrictions
If you are outside of the United States and cannot access Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, or YouTube, you can use a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions. A VPN will allow you to appear as though you are in the United States, allowing you to access these streaming services.
Recommendations
The Exorcist is a classic horror film that is not to be missed. If you are a fan of horror, this is a must-see. Its impact on the genre cannot be overstated, and it holds up as a truly terrifying film to this day.
So, turn off the lights, grab a blanket, and prepare to be scared out of your mind by The Exorcist.
