The Pope's Exorcist

At the Vatican, the famed exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth takes on a case that begins with a boy tormented by a violent possession. As he investigates the boy’s symptoms and the strange events surrounding him, clues point to a long buried secret tied to the church. What starts as a personal struggle becomes a wider, shadowy conspiracy the Holy See has fought to keep buried for centuries. The pursuit blends ritual dread with a clinical, procedural feel, keeping the focus on faith and power and the danger that can hide in plain sight. Amorth travels from quiet confessional rooms to grim candlelit chambers where ancient rites clash with modern skepticism, and every new revelation raises the stakes for the boy and those sworn to protect him.

Directed by Julius Avery, The Pope's Exorcist is written by Evan Spiliotopoulos, Michael Petroni and Chester Hastings, drawing on the real life exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth for inspiration. It released in 2023 as a brisk occult thriller with religious drama, aiming for solid genre cinema and a tense atmosphere.

The film grossed $76,987,621 worldwide on an $18,000,000 budget, delivering a solid return for a mid range horror release that found a broad audience and steady staying power at the box office. Marketing highlighted Crowe's presence and the Vatican setting.

Critics note the film hinges on Russell Crowe's steady performance and a restrained pace that heightens dread. Its themes include belief under pressure, the cost of zeal, and the clash between ancient rites and modern skepticism, with exorcism framed as spiritual and procedural throughout its runtime.

While not a breakout cultural phenomenon, the movie adds to the ongoing public interest in exorcism and Vatican lore. It fed online discussions about the limits of faith, ritual power, and how horror can frame religious authority in contemporary cinema. Fans discussed its finale in forums and social media.