The Good Exorcist

Director - John Stifter (Chum, Scumbag)

Starring - Daniel Degnan (Tim the Terrible, Greywood's Plot), Brittaney Ortiz (Grandma's House, Another Day at the Office), and Avery Merrifield (Log Truck, Buried Treasure)

Release Date - 2018

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "Not today, Satan"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     A year or so ago I befriended director John Stifter after he shared a post in a horror group about his religious horror comedy The Good Exorcist.  I watched the trailer for the film and immediately sought him out about the film.  He let me know that the film was picked up for Troma to stream on their streaming service Troma Now with a future physical release date not yet planned.  I started to watch it several times on Troma Now but never actually got around to it.  However, the day I saw the blu release on MVD I knew I had to review it.  I quickly reached out to MVD and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Like always, I want to thank MVD and Troma for supporting Horror Society and myself.

     The film follows Father Gil (Degnan) who is called to a ranch that is experiencing a haunting of some sort.  Gil suspects that it is a demonic presence and his investigation leads him through the lives of those that live there where uncovers more than he can chew.

     The Good Exorcist is not a horror film first.  In essence it's a comedy that tosses in some horror elements.  Honestly, I liked the approach that Stifter has and how the film progresses.  It's rather unique and a lot of fun.  Hell, it's possibly the most light hearted horror film I've ever reviewed.  Horror hipsters may not appreciate it but I sure as hell did.  The acting in this one is very enjoyable.  The characters are very well written and this gives the cast something great to work with.  The cast has experience and it shows in every scene.  I enjoyed their performances and hope to see Stifter reunite them again in another horror project.  The story for this one is a character piece where we follow Father Gil as he interacts with a family as he suspects one of them is possessed by a demon or the devil itself.  The pacing is great but some of the dialogue heavy scenes does feel a little awkward at times.  I really really enjoyed how the story was approached and executed.  Finally, don't expect a bloodbath.  We have some blood and some make-up effects along with some visual effects but that is the extent of it.  The film is mostly concerned with the characters and not the red stuff.  Overall, The Good Exorcist is not what I would consider Troma worthy.  It's funny but it's not as odd and out there as most of the films that Troma has stamped.  I loved this film and I can't recommend it enough.  If you want a Troma like film then this one is not for you but if you do want something with a sense of humor then you need to check this one out.