Netflix UK is now home to one of the barmiest supernatural horror flicks of the past few years.
Starring a major Hollywood A-lister, this wickedly campy take on the exorcism genre has quickly attracted a devoted cult following with at least one sequel in early development.
It originally hit the big screen in 2023 and received mixed reviews, but its premise and wild set pieces need to be seen to be believed.
Gladiator star Russell Crowe is Father Gabriele Amorth, aka The Pope’s Exorcist, employed in the 1980s to rid Europe of possessive demons.
Loosely inspired by real accounts, Crowe’s scenery-chewing performance and darkly humorous take on exorcisms struck a chord with horror fans.
Moreover, the film’s jaw-dropping climax and promise of almost 200 possible ideas for sequels makes it a must-watch now it’s available to stream on Netflix in the UK.
Fans have been raving about the film since its release nearly two years ago, particularly about several scenes featuring Father Amorth riding around the Vatican on a Vespa.
“THE POPE’S EXORCIST (2023) stars Russell Crowe as a Vespa-riding, sledgehammer-wielding goofball of god,” one enthusiast raved on X.
“He’s charming and loveable, and thankfully the surrounding film isn’t bad either, especially when it goes full 80s Italian horror for the wild, blood-drenched climax.”
Someone else wrote: “The only thing you need to know about THE POPE’S EXORCIST is that big ol Russell Crowe puts around in a teeny Vespa in *several* scenes, five stars no notes.”
Another fan said on the film social media platform Letterboxd: “Some movies tease one sequel, this one teases 199. F*** it, as long as Russell Crowe has an Italian accent and a Vespa I’m there.”
While another reviewer described the film as “pulpy, atmospheric, and fun.”
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They continued: “Plays out like a standard possession chiller in the opening reel but it eventually feels more like a mix of alternative Vatican Dan Brown type material and the Tomb Raider video games.
“The climax on this bad boy is absolutely nuts. Russell Crowe continues to elevate everything he’s in, and here, a gigachad exorcist is ripe material for his brand of scenery chewing.”
“Russell Crowe is a boss riding that Vespa around Europe fighting demons,” another user said.
“He was hysterical. It’s his resurgence era I think. This movie was a lot better than I was expecting. A lot of crazy fun.”
While a final fan wrote: “Completely bonkers, so over the top and crazy, pure popcorn style entertainment. I love this era of Russell Crowe going full ham, this movie is good, but it becomes great because of his fabulous performance, he’s having a ball and you can really tell.
“His character was so good, I’d love more movies with this character, perhaps a franchise in the works? Bring it on, more camp Rusty on his lil Vespa and robes flapping in the wind.”
Time will tell if The Pope’s Exorcist fans will get the 199 sequels they’re wishing for, but, for now, make sure you add the original to your Netflix watchlist for when you’re in the mood for campy, gory thrills.
The Pope’s Exorcist is available to stream on Netflix.
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