This 2010 Horror Film Might Be One of the Best Found Footage Movies Ever Made

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Since the debut of “The Exorcist” over half a century ago, filmmakers worldwide have been attempting to replicate its powerful impact by creating their own interpretations of the demonic possession narrative. These subsequent movies, following in the footsteps of William Friedkin’s classic, are often influenced or inspired by “The Exorcist,” especially in American cinema. This influence has resulted in many possession films appearing formulaic and unoriginal.

However, there are some possession movies that effectively stand out by offering something fresh or unique within the genre, even if they don’t necessarily introduce new concepts. One such film is “The Last Exorcism” currently streaming on Peacock, which may not often be part of casual horror fans’ conversations about possession films, but it certainly warrants your interest.

More Hidden Horror Movies on Peacock

Unveiled Terrors of the Peacock: Secret Sufferings

(Another option could be)

Peacock’s Concealed Cruelties: Hidden Hardships

(Or even)

Buried Torments of the Peacock: Masked Miseries

Why The Last Exorcism is a must-see possession film

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In rural Louisiana, the movie The Last Exorcism is told through the lens of a documentary style, where a film crew accompanies Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian), a preacher with a family history in exorcisms. Raised by his church-going father who was also a pastor, Cotton has mastered the art of making religious performances more than just solemn events – they’re spectacles meant to captivate and generate income.

When we encounter Cotton, his religious beliefs have been challenged. The environment he was brought up in no longer aligns with his understanding, especially regarding demonic possession. He no longer adheres to the belief in demons, and instead, he worries that extreme exorcism techniques are causing harm, even death, to vulnerable young individuals. These cases would be better managed by mental health experts in his opinion. Cotton has allowed a documentary team to record him during what he considers his final exorcism. His intention is to expose the methods used by fraudulent exorcists, with the hope of helping people and using his knowledge for good purposes.

As a fan, I found myself captivated by the turn of events in this chilling tale. It turns out that Cotton, along with director Iris (Iris Bahr) and cameraman Daniel (Adam Grimes), were venturing into a realm of genuine malevolence when they encountered Nell, the enigmatic offspring of a secretive, hardline farmer (Louis Herthum). Initially, Caleb believed he was there to perform an “exorcism,” display his abilities for the documentary crew, and then move on. However, upon Nell’s unexpected reemergence in his life, he found himself plunged into a shadowy world that might be too difficult to escape.

Titled “The Last Exorcism,” this film, directed by Daniel Stamm and written by Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland, deviates from the conventional “Be Careful What You Wish For” horror genre. Rather than portraying evil as a blatant presence in a world that Cotton perceives as filled with lies, the movie cleverly shows that evil lurks subtly, hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary existence. The narrative unfolds in an unconventional manner, avoiding the predictable tropes of demonic possession films. Instead, it delves into something far more sinister, building tension gradually until the climax is more intense than expected. Unlike a scenario where Cotton encounters a real possession and stages a fake exorcism, this movie takes a different path, leading us into a darker, more insidious realm.

The success of this movie goes beyond its use of found footage style; it lies primarily in the character development, particularly focusing on Fabian and Bell. Fabian, portraying a conflicted pastor struggling to reconcile his personal aspirations with the hardened realities of his career, delivers an outstanding performance as the leading character. Bell’s portrayal of a mix of innocence and ferocity perfectly complements Fabian. In “The Last Exorcism,” the belief that truly matters is not in God or the devil, but in each other; and Fabian and Bell effectively convey this essential theme of the film.

If you’re seeking a unique take on possession films that deviates from the usual pattern yet maintains an eerie depth, be sure to check out The Last Exorcism. This movie is among the finest in its genre.

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2025-01-22 00:16