A Pastor’s Sin, a Spirit’s Vengeance

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Exorcism of Saint Patrick
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Quinn Armstrong
Writer(s): Quinn Armstrong
Cast: Steve Pinder, Michael J. Cline, Maya Jeyam, Caitlin McWethy, Alan Tyson, Louie Kurtzman, Andrew James Myers, Erik Donley, Beau Roberts
Where To Watch: in select theaters on demand August 27, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In THE EXORCISM OF SAINT PATRICK, writer/director Quinn Armstrong crafts a compelling narrative that blends the eerie with the urgent. This opening act of the Fresh Hell trilogy ventures into the dark and controversial subject of conversion therapy, combining psychological depth with supernatural elements to create a film that both entertains and enlightens, making you think more than most horror does.

Armstrong sets this chilling narrative in a secluded cabin, an atmospheric choice that enhances the film's horror elements. The cabin's isolation mirrors the characters' alienation, especially the young gay teenager, Trick (Michael J. Cline), and the pastor, Pat (Steve Pinder), whose battle of wills forms the central plot. As the pastor's extreme methods push the teenager to the extremes, the story shifts from a tale of coercion to one of unknown revenge, with each shadow in the cabin thickening the plot.

The director avoids conventional horror clichés, focusing on a slow-building dread that culminates in a harrowing, thought-provoking climactic confrontation. Dave Greathouse’s practical effects bolster the authenticity of this suspense, providing a raw, palpable quality to the encounters with the supernatural.

THE EXORCISM OF SAINT PATRICK does more than tell a ghost story; it delves into the grim realities of conversion therapy's impact on the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Armstrong employs the horror genre not merely as a vehicle for fright but as a lens to examine and criticize these real-world atrocities. The film's supernatural elements are a potent metaphor for the genuine horrors inflicted upon the marginalized.

The film's visuals contribute to its grounded, gritty aesthetic, enriching the emotional narrative. This vision not only underscores the tangible horror experienced by the characters but also deepens the audience's engagement with the film's moral complexities. Particularly notable is the pastor’s character arc—from a zealot to a haunted man—portrayed with nuance and depth, adding layers to the film's exploration of guilt and redemption.

The screenplay stands out for its crisp dialogue and detailed character development, allowing the darker themes to resonate more deeply with the audience. Armstrong’s deliberate pacing draws viewers into an increasingly tense atmosphere, setting the stage for the narrative's powerful climax. Ultimately, this is the double-edged sword of this entry, challenging the audience to stay engaged entirely throughout the slow-burn pacing of the film's first half.

As the trilogy's first installment, THE EXORCISM OF SAINT PATRICK sets an ambitious standard for the series. It melds psychological and supernatural horror in a way that challenges viewers to consider the broader implications of the themes it explores. This film not only scares but also invites viewers to ponder societal issues' darker, often hidden aspects.

The film demonstrates Armstrong's intent not merely to tell a horror story but to reflect on societal issues that cast long shadows in the real world. The enduring impact of this film ensures that it will resonate with audiences well beyond its runtime, making them keenly anticipate the continuation of this intriguing and introspective series.

Check out my coverage for the second and third installments, now live. The second film, WOLVES AGAINST THE WORLD, and the trilogy's conclusion, DEAD TEENAGERS, help to create a full opinion on this unique experience.

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[photo courtesy of CRANKED UP FILMS]

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