THE LAST EXORCISM – (Toronto After Dark Film Festival) Review

The Last Exorcism possessed Toronto After Dark’s fans this week with a red carpet premiere and had actors Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell and producer Eli Roth there to present the film and answer all the fans’ questions. The seemingly never-ending line ups to see the latest addition to the popular handheld horror sub-genre that has been possessing the minds of the morbidly curious since The Blair Witch Project proved that the Lionsgate had done their jobs correctly with their months of strategic marketing and promotions for this much talked about thriller. Did The Last Exorcism match up to its incredibly growing hype? Read on to find out!

The Last Exorcism follows Reverend Cotton Marcus, (played by the talented and ever so handsome Patrick Fabian) a preacher who should have been a magician as he is talented in performing fake exorcisms. However, he is still performing a great service because he is curing the most devout religious fanatics by making them believe they are cured–even when there is nothing wrong with them. When Cotton briefly skims a hand-written letter for a widower to help perform an exorcism on his 16 year old daughter named Nell, (Ashley Bell) Cotton and a film crew drive to a farm in rural Louisiana in hopes of tricking the family into believing he has vanquished the demon from Nell with his “David Copperfield” inspired exorcism routine within a quick “Wham bam thank you Mr. Howdy” fashion. Unfortunately, Cotton soon discovers that this is not a case of curing a troubled mind, but rather he is dealing with something far darker and far more evil than anything he could have prepared himself for.

Like Scott Glosserman’s Behind the Mask, director Daniel Stamm has made a truly effective mockumentary-styled horror film focusing on a very likable anti-hero. It is a film that also effectively dissects the debate over religion vs. science and how important faith (whether you believe in God or the Devil) is in today’s world. (whether you like it or not. ) Many may feel compelled to compare this film to The Exorcist, but The Last Exorcism does not try to one up the scares. It’s a different beast all together and knows its limitations.

Many may be disappointed that this film is not a true handheld horror film. It is strikingly slick and its glossy visual asthetics as well as its booming score may put off some who were expecting a cinema verite experience like The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity. However, the film makes up for its unneeded glamor with its amazing cast, shocking twists and turns, lack of CGI effects, (*actress Ashley Bell performs all her bod-contorting stunts) and an ending viewers will not forget.

Kudos to director Daniel Stamm for providing horror aficionados a PG-13 film with a R-rated feel. Make sure to catch this goosebump-inducing thriller on opening day before fans everywhere start spoiling the ending that will be talked about for weeks to come.

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