#16 - The Exorcist III (1990)
Alright, today we’re talking about The Exorcist III, which is honestly way better than people give it credit for. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “The third Exorcist movie? Really?” But trust me, this movie is wildly underrated and I’m about to tell you why.
First off, it’s directed by William Peter Blatty, the guy who wrote the original Exorcist novel. And that makes all the difference because this dude gets the tone and atmosphere that made the first movie so iconic. But instead of just rehashing the same story, he gives us something new. This is more of a psychological horror film, but with some seriouslycreepy supernatural elements. It’s got this detective-thriller vibe, mixed with classic horror, and the result is... chef’s kiss.
Now, let’s talk about the real MVP of this movie: George C. Scott. This guy is just owning every scene he’s in. He plays this grizzled, emotionally drained detective, Kinderman, who’s investigating a series of brutal murders. His performance is so good that even in the quieter moments, he holds your attention. You believe that he’s been through hell, and yet, he’s still fighting through it. And I love that.
But here’s the thing that really sets this movie apart: the scares. Now, everyone talks about the famous jump scare in this movie—the one with the nurse and the shears—but let me tell you, this movie isn’t just relying on cheap tricks. The whole film is drenched in this oppressive, eerie atmosphere. It’s slow-burn horror done right, and when it builds to those intense moments, they hit hard. There’s just this constant feeling of dread hanging over everything, and Blatty knows how to make you squirm in your seat.
Also, we have to mention Brad Dourif. His role as the Gemini Killer? Holy crap, this guy is giving a masterclass in how to be completely terrifying. His monologues are chilling. I’m not even kidding—he’s just sitting in a cell for most of the movie, and it’s still one of the creepiest things I’ve ever seen. He’s got this insane energy that makes every line he delivers feel dangerous. Honestly, I’m surprised more people don’t talk about his performance because it’s legendary.
The only real complaint people seem to have about this movie is the ending, and yeah, I get it—the studio kind of forced an exorcism into the climax because they wanted to tie it back to the original. But even with that, it’s still a pretty intense sequence. And honestly? It doesn’t ruin the movie. If anything, it just adds to the weirdness of the whole experience.
So yeah, The Exorcist III is a sleeper hit. It’s atmospheric, it's creepy as hell, and the performances are top-tier. If you’re into smart, character-driven horror with a side of supernatural weirdness, then this is absolutely worth your time. Stop sleeping on this one, because it’s a hidden gem in the horror genre.