Often the most praised demonic possession movie is The Exorcist. This film follows the attempts of a old, ill-faithed priest and his younger counterpart, along with a mother, to rid 12-year old Regan MacNiel of a demonic possession. After playing with a Ouija board, Regan invites a demon into her home and subsequently her body. After a fatal incident and strange behaviors, Regan's mother, Chris, enlists the help of the Church to perform an exorcism. During the process Regan's humanity begins to tear away as the demon takes control of Regan's body.
The Exorcist was widely known for it's gore at the time, which seems mild in today's climate, and it's use of vulgar language spouting from the a young actress, both of which were to unsettle the audience, and were very effective in doing so. The film also explores the relationship strain the mother of Regan endures during her possession, The film clearly portrays the Chris loves her daughter and her possession is tearing away at her as well. This adds a struggle a lot of viewers can identify with, seeing a loved one be destroyed by something that is beyond there control.
Another movie that is often considered a sister film the The Exorcist is The Omen. Dealing with a slightly different scenario, The Omen follows the story of Damien, a child who is adopted at birth by a couple who had a stillborn child, unbeknownst to the mother. When the child turns of age strange and evil things begin to take place around them, only to become increasingly more life threatening the closer the parents come to finding out the truth that Damien is actually the Antichrist.
The Omen spins a similar but different tale then The Exorcist. Instead of seeing the process of a girl being torn apart from the inside against her will, we see a boy who bestowed unimaginable power and uses it for himself, to the ill of other. The films horror techniques are different are more subtle than that of The Exorcist's, while the use of blood is still in play, it is much less grotesque, and in my opinion creates a better atmosphere. Just like The Exorcist, The Omen plays with the relationship of a loving parent pitted against an malignant child. We see her denial throughout the movie the pain she goes through being forced to choose between her own life and the life of the boy she raised.
Both these films create an excellent portrayal of demonic evil and the terror it would bring on a family. Using different techniques while telling similar tales, these two movies are an essential coupling for the Halloween season.
Another movie that is often considered a sister film the The Exorcist is The Omen. Dealing with a slightly different scenario, The Omen follows the story of Damien, a child who is adopted at birth by a couple who had a stillborn child, unbeknownst to the mother. When the child turns of age strange and evil things begin to take place around them, only to become increasingly more life threatening the closer the parents come to finding out the truth that Damien is actually the Antichrist.
The Omen spins a similar but different tale then The Exorcist. Instead of seeing the process of a girl being torn apart from the inside against her will, we see a boy who bestowed unimaginable power and uses it for himself, to the ill of other. The films horror techniques are different are more subtle than that of The Exorcist's, while the use of blood is still in play, it is much less grotesque, and in my opinion creates a better atmosphere. Just like The Exorcist, The Omen plays with the relationship of a loving parent pitted against an malignant child. We see her denial throughout the movie the pain she goes through being forced to choose between her own life and the life of the boy she raised.
Both these films create an excellent portrayal of demonic evil and the terror it would bring on a family. Using different techniques while telling similar tales, these two movies are an essential coupling for the Halloween season.
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