Exorcist II: The Heretic
Exorcist II: The Heretic

Movie spotlight

Exorcist II: The Heretic

1977
Movie
118 min
English

Bizarre nightmares plague Regan MacNeil four years after her possession and exorcism. Has the demon returned? And if so, can the combined faith and knowledge of a Vatican investigator and a research specialist free her from its grasp?

Insights

IMDb5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes14%
Google Users32%
Director: John BoormanGenres: Horror, Thriller

Plot Summary

Years after the events of The Exorcist, Regan MacNeil is living a seemingly normal life, but the demon Pazuzu has not forgotten her. Father Philip Lamont is assigned to investigate the death of the priest who originally exorcised Regan, Father Merrin, and discovers a pattern of demonic activity linked to Pazuzu. Lamont believes Regan may hold the key to understanding and defeating the demon once and for all, leading him on a dangerous journey to Africa and back.

Critical Reception

Exorcist II: The Heretic is widely regarded as one of the worst sequels ever made and a significant disappointment compared to its predecessor. Critics and audiences alike were baffled by its convoluted plot, nonsensical mythology, and departure from the tone and horror of the original film. It is often cited for its bizarre visual style and ambitious, albeit unsuccessful, attempts to expand the lore.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its ambitious visual design and musical score.

  • Criticized for its nonsensical plot and weak narrative cohesion.

  • Seen as a bizarre and disappointing follow-up to a classic horror film.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate significant disappointment with the film's confusing storyline and lack of genuine horror. Many felt it strayed too far from the original's effectiveness, with some appreciating the visual elements but lamenting the overall execution.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Saturn Awards for Best Horror Film and Best Supporting Actor (Richard Burton).

Fun Fact

Director John Boorman has publicly disowned the film, expressing regret over his involvement and stating that he never truly understood the original Exorcist.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
tmdb28039023

tmdb28039023

One of the many things that make The Exorcist arguably the greatest horror films ever made – or simply one of the greatest films ever made, regardless of genre –, is that it has no use for the obligatory final shot suggesting that the evil ...

talisencrw

talisencrw

I have all the respect in the world for John Boorman--his 'Point Blank' and 'Deliverance' are excellent--but this sequel to one of the greatest horror movies ever made simply falls listless and flat. Of course, the script is extremely talky...