Dir. David Gordon Green | Now in Theaters | Rating: 4/5

David Gordon Green has to be one of the most confident directors working right now. It takes some serious guts to take on not one but two legacy sequels of beloved horror classics. Though I have mixed feelings on Green’s Halloween trilogy, his latest venture is a win in my book. 

The original Exorcist is my top horror film of all time. From its religious imagery, characterization, and timeless sharp storytelling, the novel and the film are pillars of the horror genre. Legacy sequels are a complex thing, especially for fandoms, because I firmly believe there is no way to please diehards, no matter how technically or rhetorically impressive a film might be. Case in point – Halloween Ends. 

The critiques of Believer are incredibly harsh. This film delivers a well acted, diverse cast, with a range of storytelling, rather than just tacking onto Regan’s original storyline. A major complaint about this film is there isn’t enough Chris MacNeil, and to that I will say – the film was never advertised as being about her, or a continuation of the original story. 

What I especially appreciated about Believer was the points made about belief as a construct and interpersonal force, and not just from a Christian lens. As a religious horror buff, this is the core of the possession subgenre. The innate ability for humans to believe things in and out of existence, whether it be by true spiritual power or psychological suggestion. The culturally competent incorporation of a rootworker and conjurer in Dr. Beehibe, was excellent and moving.

The scares in this were relentless, and fell in line with one of my other religious faves – The Medium (2021). And with an ending that packs a huge morality gut punch, I left the theater without many complaints. My only complaint is in Green’s storytelling, which often leans heavily into this “kumbaya”/ “power of love” narrative, also seen in Halloween Ends. Though many appreciate the presence of this hope and light in horror, I’m a cynic, and this often comes across as disingenuous to me. 

Overall, Believer is a certified win – from your local Exorcist fangirl, and will be making my top 5 of 2023. 

Know Before You Watch: Features death, blood, gore, flashing lights.