Updated On: 07 April, 2023 09:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson Thomas
The dangerous demonic possession of a young boy leads to back stories and legends hidden for centuries from prying eyes by the wary Vatican

A still from the movie, `The Pope`s Exorcist`
This historical horror thriller is inspired by the case files of Father Gabriele of Amorth who performed and documented over 100,000 exorcisms in his lifetime. The colourful and controversial priest who started his exorcisms by thumbing his nose at the devil was appointed exorcist by no less than the Pope. He was also the founder of the Vatican-approved International Association of Exorcists, an organisation composed of hundreds of exorcists worldwide.
The film opens with a young Father Thomas struggling with his faith after experiencing a personal tragedy. However, he is soon called to help Father Amorth (Russell Crowe), an experienced exorcist who has been performing exorcisms for many years. Italian legend Franco Nero plays the Pope who directly appoints Amorth to the case.
The film’s effects are rather old school with minimal CGI. This not only lends nostalgic value to the horror sequences but also makes them more realistic and visceral.