The Last Exorcism

On the surface, Cotton Marcus is a practiced showman and preacher who has spent years staging exorcisms to expose fraud while collecting donations. He agrees to let a camera crew follow him as he journeys to a remote Louisiana farm to debunk a reported possession. He expects a routine demonic case that will let him demonstrate his skeptical technique to a skeptical audience. But the quiet farm hides a chilling mix of secrets when Nell Sweetzer, a troubled young woman, and her uneasy family reveal something far darker than a sham ritual. As the crew documents the events, Cotton wrestles with what he believes and what the cameras are revealing, and the night descends into a confrontation he never anticipated.

Directed by Daniel Stamm, The Last Exorcism stemmed from a concept by Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland. Debuting in 2010, the low budget horror gained attention for its documentary style and the way it plays with audience expectations in theaters.

With a worldwide gross near 69.4 million against a modest 1.8 million budget, the film delivered a return on investment and helped prove that lean horror can attract big crowds. It also underscored the value of practical effects and storytelling.

Presented as a faux documentary, the film cemented a late 2000s horror vibe that blends faith based tension with practical effects. Nell Sweetzer became a memorable image for audiences, and the movie is often cited alongside other found footage thrillers for expanding how exorcism stories can unfold on screen today.

Critics were divided on pacing yet generally acknowledged the film's taut setup and strong lead performance. The Last Exorcism grapples with belief versus skepticism, the ethics of performative faith, and the lure of spectacle, inviting viewers to question whether miracles are a product of belief or manipulation for many viewers.