The Exorcism of God

Movie Trailer

Release Date
March 11, 2022

Genre
Horror, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Will Beinbrink as Father Peter Williams
• María Gabriela de Faría as Esperanza
• Joseph Marcell as Father Michael Lewis
• Hector Kotsifakis as Dr. Nelson
• Irán Castillo as Magali
• Raquel Rojas as Sister Camila

Director
Alejandro Hidalgo

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The House at the End of Time (2013)

Producer
Alejandro Hidalgo, Joel Seidl, Antonio Abdo, Karim Kabche, José A. Pacheco

Writer
Alejandro Hidalgo, Santiago Fernández Calvete

Budget
$1.3 million

Production Company
Solis Films, Epica Pictures, Kabche Film Production

Running Time
98 minutes

Languages
English, Spanish

Maturity Rating
R (for strong horror violence, disturbing images, and language)

Content Advisory

• Intense and graphic violence
• Disturbing religious themes
• Supernatural horror
• Strong language

Movie Story
The Exorcism of God tells the story of Father Peter Williams (Will Beinbrink), an American priest working in a small town in Mexico. Known for his dedication to helping the poor and sick, Father Peter is a respected figure in the community. However, he harbors a dark secret: years earlier, during an exorcism, he was possessed by the very demon he was trying to expel, leading to a grievous sin.

Haunted by the consequences of his actions, Father Peter tries to bury his guilt and continue his work. But when the same demonic force returns, wreaking havoc in the town and possessing a young woman named Esperanza (María Gabriela de Faría), Father Peter must confront his past. He is forced to face the demon once more, this time with the help of Father Michael Lewis (Joseph Marcell), a veteran exorcist and his old mentor.

As the exorcism progresses, it becomes clear that the demon has a personal vendetta against Father Peter, using his guilt and past sins to torment him. The film explores themes of faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil, with Father Peter’s internal struggle as central as the supernatural conflict around him.

The Exorcism of God blends traditional exorcism horror with a psychological exploration of guilt and redemption, making for a chilling and thought-provoking film. The movie’s unique twist on the exorcism genre lies in its portrayal of a priest who must exorcise not only the demons of others but also the demons within himself.

Special Effects
The special effects in The Exorcism of God are designed to heighten the horror and supernatural elements of the film. The demonic possessions are depicted with visceral and disturbing practical effects, including contorted bodies, unnatural movements, and eerie makeup that create a terrifying visual impact. The use of lighting and sound design enhances the film’s atmosphere, creating a sense of dread and tension throughout the exorcism scenes. CGI is used sparingly, with a focus on practical effects to ground the horror in a gritty, realistic style.

Box Office Performance
The Exorcism of God had a limited theatrical release and found its primary audience through digital streaming platforms. While it didn’t make a significant impact at the box office, it garnered attention for its unique take on the exorcism genre and its exploration of deep religious and psychological themes. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its performances and atmosphere, though some felt the narrative was uneven.

Filming Locations

• Mexico City, Mexico
• Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico

Notable Quotes

• “I have been fighting this demon for years, and I know it’s coming back for me.” – Father Peter Williams
• “The power of God is not in the exorcism, but in the redemption.” – Father Michael Lewis
• “You can’t escape your sins, Father. They are a part of you.” – The Demon

Behind-the-Scenes

• The Exorcism of God was shot on location in Mexico, with the filmmakers aiming to capture the authentic atmosphere and cultural elements that are central to the story.
• Director Alejandro Hidalgo drew inspiration from classic exorcism films like The Exorcist (1973) but sought to introduce new psychological and spiritual dimensions to the genre.
• The film’s production faced challenges related to its low budget, requiring creative solutions for the special effects and set design to maintain a high level of tension and horror.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
The Exorcism of God is a compelling entry in the exorcism horror genre, offering a fresh twist on familiar themes by focusing on the psychological and spiritual struggles of its protagonist. Will Beinbrink delivers a strong performance as a priest haunted by his past, while the film’s disturbing visuals and intense atmosphere contribute to its effectiveness as a horror film. Although it may not appeal to all audiences, particularly those looking for a more straightforward horror experience, it stands out for its exploration of guilt, faith, and redemption within the context of supernatural terror.

IMDb Rating
5.3/10