After years of performing “exorcisms” and taking believers’ money, Reverend Marcus travels to rural Louisiana with a film crew so he can dispel what he believes is the myth of demonic possess...
The Last Exorcism exorcises typical genre traits before its diminishing conclusion. Oh look, another "Found Footage" styled low budget horror. I'm sure this narrative will follow the exact structure from others that came before it. "Hi, I'm Cotton", "let's meet some of the locals", "I think this girl might just be possessed", "oh, yeah...too late". Well, who knew! To be fair, there are several good qualities to this personable documentary that enables it to feel fresh...until the last flipping ten minutes throws the plot off uncontrollably like a demon flailing an innocent girl. I knew it was too good to be true. A reverend who believes exorcisms is a scam, attempts to prove this by answering a letter from a family who believe their daughter is possessed. Once they arrive and perform the first "exorcism", a strange presence looms over their shoulders. I appreciated the perspective that it took, and its "Found Footage" technique assists in drawing you in. We watch a charismatic man of faith, Cotton (what even is that name!?), debunk an ancient practice from a religion he is devoted to. But to his mind, exorcisms does not necessarily mean vanishing demons from bodies. It is providing an ailment to a negative thought. And it is with this tangible concept that the film succeeds in developing an intelligent plot that lures you in, both sceptics and religious devotees. Cotton is the only character to have personality, all others are more wooden than a crucifix. But that's fine, as he is the front of the camera. The man we look for. The film continues with traditional jump scares and some gradual ramped up tension, before the last ten minutes. What. Even. Was. That? Seriously!? That's how you choose to end your well constructed film? It doesn't even make sense! Honestly, a ludicrous amount of plot holes. Oh, then ending with a foreshadowed "unexpected" death scene. I just...became overwhelmed with frustration! Unfortunately, the atrocious ending brings this film down substantially. Apparently there is a second part as well? Let's hope it doesn't run out of budget towards the end...
