Russell Crowe as real-life exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth in The Pope’s Exorcist (Image: Youtube/ Sony Pictures Entertainment)

A chilling horror film featuring a renowned Hollywood star has been lauded as a ‘classic’ that ‘keeps you on the edge of your seat’, and it’s airing on Film4 tonight.

The Pope’s Exorcist, which hit the big screen in 2023, is a spine-tingling thriller starring Russell Crowe. He portrays Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s chief exorcist, who delves into a petrifying case of possession involving a young boy in Spain.

Drawing from Amorth’s actual case files, the film traces his struggle against a formidable demon while unveiling a centuries-old conspiracy concealed by the Vatican.

While the plot and characters are fictionalised, the film, based on Father Gabriele Amorth’s books An Exorcist Tells His Story (1990) and An Exorcist: More Stories (1992), encapsulates the essence of the battle between good and evil that Father Amorth staunchly believed in.

On Rotten Tomatoes, this horror flick garnered a decent score of 51 percent from reviews, but it received glowing praise from many who urged others to give it a watch

Russell Crowe plays the lead role (Image: Sony Pictures)

One review said: “The movie has the classic 1980s horror feel, but with a modern filming. Which makes sense as it is set in 1987. Great movie that keeps the viewer entertained and engaged. Great Saturday night movie.”

Another reviewer wrote: “An exorcism film that keeps you hooked on the plot unlike other horror films. Just a couple inconsistencies with the environment but over all 100% recommend. I would love to watch a series based on the ending.

“Amazing movie. Haven’t had such a captivating experience with a movie watched on a streaming service for a very long time. Of course, the leading role being played by the one and only Russel Crowe helped a lot.,” one viewer added.

Russell Crowe in a scene from The Pope’s Exorcist (Image: Youtube/ Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Another said: “All in all, I would recommend this movie – it was engaging, had great cinematography, great acting and a storyline that made you want to do your own research, to learn more – it made you curious. Great movie – would have also loved a cinema experience, since the sound effects and visuals were impressive.”

A third posted: “Really captivating film, keeps you on the edge of your seat. The storyline and plot is thrilling despite what critics say. really good movie!”.

“I quite enjoyed the movie. It was a little bit corny but bearable. I think that Russell Crowe gave a fantastic performance,” a fourth viewer shared.

A fifth said: “This movie was great. It’s exactly what one could want in an exorcism movie: it’s entertaining, it offers something new, and it’s creepy. I rarely get to see men of the cloth in Catholic-themed movies show introspection on their failings.

“My only complaint is that they were relying too heavily on the shock value of horrific words and concepts coming from the mouth of a child. It grew tedious. Anyone who enjoys another entry into horror and exorcist vaults will love this.”

The Pope’s Exorcist airs on Thursday 5 February at 9pm on Film4.