Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2010: The Last Exorcism

First things first – whoever put together the trailer for the Eli Roth-produced exorcism tale,

The Last Exorcism is a very different kind of exorcism tale than the classic Friedkin film that’s still the measuring stick for the genre. It’s a slow burn horror that takes its time with its characters and story, giving the audience only a snippet of the larger plot here and there before yanking it away. ‘Boo’ moments comprise very few of the film’s scares, and provide none of Last Exorcism’s most harrowing moments. I can’t possibly express how overjoyed I was to see a film do without these cliches – it’s a brave move and one which occurs far too rarely in horror for my tastes.

Ashley Bell’s performance as the possessed Nell is equally heartbreaking and horrific while being wholly transfixing. Her character fluctuates so wildly between innocent, wide-eyed farm girl and merciless demon that your emotions easily go along for the ride. I mean it guys, she is completely transformed, and in a way that shows both reverence to, and distinction from Linda Blair’s Regan. Patrick Fabian’s charismatic preacher and admitted charlatan is the perfect complement to Nell, and puts in a great performance as the likeable anti-hero.

He’s so animated in his role as the preacher that you hang on his every word, and that’s perfect for the way this film plays out.  Honestly, I’ve almost said too much about the plot.  This is better entered into with no real idea where it’s going – and I’ve got to admit that I’m still both torn and fascinated by the ending. Suffice to say, this is a brilliantly-crafted story that’s about a lot more than it seems, and definitely brings a new viewpoint to the exorcism genre.

Now, Last Exorcism is shot as a first person documentary style…HEY DON’T RUN AWAY! This isn’t Cloverfield or even Blair Witch or [REC]. The

camera is more or less static for the majority of the film, not jerking you down hallways (much) and it’s the perfect viewpoint for this kind of story.  I was really surprised at how little the effects show through, and the whole thing comes across as perfectly raw as it should.

The Last Exorcism is a great ride, and presents one of the best-crafted exorcism stories I’ve seen.  One that features a performance from Bell that deserves to be right up there with Linda Blair’s. If this genre interests you in the slightest, be sure to check this out, and make sure the sound’s way up. Eli Roth and director Daniel Stamm have brought to life the most singularly original horror story I’ve seen so far this year.