Netflix UK has recently added one of the most outlandishly supernatural horror films of recent years to its catalogue.
Featuring a top Hollywood star, this delightfully over-the-top spin on the exorcism genre has rapidly garnered a dedicated cult following, with at least one sequel already in the pipeline.
Originally released in 2023 to mixed reviews, the film’s concept and outrageous set pieces truly need to be witnessed firsthand.
Russell Crowe, known for his role in Gladiator, stars as Father Gabriele Amorth, otherwise known as The Pope’s Exorcist, tasked in the 1980s with banishing possessive demons from Europe.
Loosely based on true events, Crowe’s larger-than-life performance and darkly comedic approach to exorcisms resonated with horror enthusiasts, reports the Mirror.
Furthermore, the film’s astonishing finale and the potential for nearly 200 sequels make it a must-see now that it’s available for streaming on Netflix UK.
Since its release almost two years ago, fans have been singing its praises, particularly highlighting scenes featuring Father Amorth zipping around the Vatican on a Vespa.
“THE POPE’S EXORCIST (2023) stars Russell Crowe as a Vespa-riding, sledgehammer-wielding goofball of god,” one fan gushed 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.”
One amused reviewer couldn’t resist sharing: “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.”
On the cinephile hub Letterboxd, a fan raved: “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.”
Another critic hailed the film as “pulpy, atmospheric, and fun.”
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.”
Another moviegoer celebrated Crowe’s role by saying: “Russell Crowe is a boss riding that Vespa around Europe fighting demons. 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.”
A final comment summed up the overall audience joy: “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.”
Whether or not fans will get the follow-up films they’re craving is still up in the air, but in the meantime The Pope’s Exorcist is an essential addition to your Netflix watchlist particularly when you’re hankering for something playfully quirky and with a generous helping of gore.
The Pope’s Exorcist is available to stream on Netflix.