In a daring venture, Universal’s “$400 Million Gamble” on Exorcist: Believer has been met with a chilling response from critics, casting a shadow over the anticipated trilogy. The film, which is the first in a planned series, has been haunted by predominantly unfavorable reviews, scoring a mere 20 percent on the popular review-aggregation website, Rotten Tomatoes.
The Exorcist franchise, which commenced with William Friedkin’s acclaimed 1973 classic, has historically been a mixed bag in terms of critical reception. However, Exorcist: Believer isn’t just another sequel. In 2021, Universal invested a staggering $400 million for the rights to the franchise, indicating a significant financial and creative commitment to the series. The success of Believer is pivotal, as it is intended to generate momentum for the subsequent sequels.
Jason Blum, a producer with a notable track record in the horror genre, including hits like Get Out, expressed the financial risks involved in the project. He stated, “The riskiest movie I have ever made for sure is not out yet. It’s The Exorcist. Just because it’s so expensive. Usually the bar to success on everything we do because it’s inexpensive is incredibly low. For [The Exorcist: Believer], it’s high.”
The film, which revolves around Victor Fielding (played by Leslie Odom Jr.) dealing with the possession of his daughter and her friend, has been subjected to a slew of critical remarks. The New York Times offered a sardonic critique, stating, “Double the possession, half the fun.” Meanwhile, The AV Club assigned it a “D” grade, summarizing the film as “a grab bag of half-baked ideas that never coalesce into a coherent theme or a reason to exist.” Another critic did not mince words, dubbing it “the worst horror film of the year, despite Odom’s brilliance.”
“The clichés of demonic possession pile up with dutiful nostalgia, but they’ve lost their shock value.” – Variety.com
Despite the critical maelstrom, the film is projected to have a robust opening weekend, with estimates ranging from $30 million to $35 million. This potential initial success raises questions about the impact of critical reviews on horror films, which historically have often been “review-proof.”
The future of the Exorcist sequels may hinge less on the first entry being a blockbuster hit, given that fans of horror franchises are accustomed to the genre’s hit-or-miss nature and the Exorcist brand carries decades of recognition. However, the specter of Believer potentially underperforming does conjure memories of Universal’s previous attempts to launch multifilm franchises, such as its ill-fated Dark Universe.
With Believer’s box office tracking positively, the critical reception may not derail its financial success. Nonetheless, Universal executives might find themselves in a precarious position, hoping that the film’s earnings will justify their substantial investment and pave the way for the forthcoming sequels. Only time will reveal whether Exorcist: Believer can overcome its critical demonization to emerge victorious at the box office.