The Exorcism

What's it about?

Eager for a comeback, Tony, an actor recovering from addiction, accepts a role in a horror movie and ends up possessed by a demon. Desperate to save Tony, his daughter Lee asks Father Connor for help.

The facts

• Directed by Joshua John Miller
• English
• Runtime: 93 minutes
• Starring Russell Crowe

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Horror

The film centres around a demonic possession and there are many different encounters or situations when a supernatural force takes control. Seemingly without explanation lights flicker, objects fall, and people start acting very strangely. The film contains scenes that shock with jump scares, there are creepy drawings of demons mixed in with religious symbols, and scary scenes that mix horror with violence.

Violence

Characters under the influence of a demon harm others or themselves. In one scene, possessed by an evil spirit, Tony’s back contorts into an unnatural shape. He then repeatedly bangs his head on the table and we see blood.

A character grips another by the throat, choking him until his neck breaks (we hear the snapping). In the strongest violent scene we see a character stabbed with a crucifix and gushing blood from the wound.

Sexual Violence

There are flashbacks of a teen boy being abused by a priest. These are shown regularly and will be disturbing for viewers impacted by sexual abuse. We don’t see graphic detail but we see how the priest has power over the boy because of his age, and because the priest is older and holds a position of authority. The focus is on how this abuse affects the boy for many years afterward. The strongest material shows the priest forcing wine down the boy’s throat, shoving a finger down his mouth, and grabbing the boy’s hair.

Offensive language

“C**ksucker”, “dyke”, “pussy”, and “f**k” is sometimes used to insult, taunt, and threaten violence on other characters. There is disturbing reference to past sexual abuse that occurred when a character was 12 years old: “f**ked a little sense into you”

Helplines:

The sexual violence could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?