To celebrate the Halloween season, The Auburn Plainsman Lifestyle Section is reviewing and recommending related movies for people to watch. Ranging from frightening, nightmare-inducing thrillers to wholesome, family-friendly flicks, reviews will cover a variety of genres. Read a synopsis and our thoughts, and then take a look at the “spooky” meter, a rating out of five that details whether we think this movie is worth watching during Halloween time. If you would like to write a Halloween-related film review and see it published, email srb0106@auburn.edu.
Once hailed as "the scariest movie of all time," William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” follows the paranormal possession of a young girl and the lengths her worried mother goes to help her. Throughout the movie, Regan (Linda Blair) starts behaving strangely, developing symptoms such as vulgar outbursts, grotesque physical transformations and violent behavior. This frightens her mother, Chris (Ellen Burstyn), who then begins to believe the unbelievable and seeks out a priest, Damien Karras (Jason Miller), to perform a ritual that no one has done in decades: an exorcism.
I was really curious going into this film, because I had heard about its influence in the 1970s and how it reinvented the horror genre. Audiences were leaving theaters absolutely terrified, blown away by what they had just experienced. Critics were calling it "the best horror movie of all time" for how downright scary it was. I wanted to watch it myself to answer the question, “Did the movie hold up after all this time?”
In my opinion, it absolutely did. While I did not necessarily find it scary, the practical effects, the story and the incredible performance by Blair really sold the film for me. It is a movie that just feels evil, with its disturbing scenes and the sinister energy that the young girl possesses.
The 1973 film was based off William Peter Blatty's 1971 novel of the same name. The novel, “The Exorcist,” was loosely based off the real case of Ronald Hunkeler or "Roland Doe," a 14-year-old boy who endured multiple exorcisms in 1949 after being allegedly possessed. The concept of the story being based off true events is already enough to spook the audience, but that detail is only the surface of the film.
As you start the movie, you are greeted by the shriek of a violin, a running theme throughout the film that keeps you in suspense. However, we quickly transition, and the first ten minutes of the film are set in Northern Iraq where archaeologists are digging up different artifacts. This part of the movie dragged for me and was a little hard to get through, but eventually, it ties back in to the main plot towards the end of the movie.
One of the standout parts of this film was the mother-daughter relationship between Regan and Chris. There are these heartfelt, spirited moments between the two that feel real and immediately had me connecting with them. Unfortunately, Regan begins to get sick from the spirit inhabiting her body and begins to turn into a shell of the little girl she was before. The possession of the 12-year-old girl was more devastating, as the movie did such a good job of setting up her character and familial relationships beforehand.
The most impressive thing to me about “The Exorcist” was the practical effects, especially for the 1970s. Regan’s levitation has become an iconic moment in film history, not to mention the prosthetics and makeup used on her body to make her look possessed. From the seizures she had to turning her head all the way around, the effects were something to marvel at, and be terrified of.
The film’s overall energy, disturbing moments and disgusting practical effects are enough to leave lasting goosebumps, and it has been doing so now for decades.
Spooky Recommendation Meter: 4/5
I would recommend this for anyone who is looking for something different than the typical jump scares and action-packed horror movies made today. This film redefined the horror genre, introducing the possession theme that is seen in many movies today. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone under 16, because there is a lot of vulgar language and extremely disturbing or disgusting scenes that are not suitable for children. Although I did not find it scary, many others would or at least feel a little spooked. It definitely had me looking over my shoulder the next day. If you’re looking for an influential film with terrifying images, chilling scenes and unsettling effects, “The Exorcist” is the movie for you.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Katelyn Smith, sophomore majoring in journalism, is from Birmingham, Alabama. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since the fall of 2025.
