[Review] ‘80s Campy Fun Sprinkled with Demonic Possession in My Best Friend’s Exorcism
Book to film adaptations can be a hit or miss for audiences, the primary aim, sticking true to the source material. Loyal lovers of the source typically have high expectations that the film has to meet in order for it to be true and tried. This doesn’t seem to be an issue for My Best Friend’s Exorcism; it’s a load of fun that takes the best elements of the book by Grady Hendrix and projects it onto the film. Directed by Damon Thomas (Killing Eve; Dracula, 2000) the film focuses on teenage best friends Gretchen Lang (Amiah Miller) and Abby Rivers (Elsie Kate Fisher) and the lengths that Abby will go to save her BFF; including an exorcism.
Friends Gretchen, Abby, Margaret (Rachel Ogechi Kanu) and Glee (Cathy Ang) spend a night at Margaret’s lake house dropping acid and skinning dipping. Wandering off into the woods, Abby and Gretchen investigate the creepy house on the property; rumoured to be the location of a horrific murder and now haunted by the victim’s spirit. Whilst in the haunted and decrepit house, the girls are chased by an entity and are separated in the woods. After searching, Abby finds Gretchen absolutely terrified. After this moment, Gretchen starts to change; her hair underbrush, her lips dry and scabby, her attitude towards her friends cold and nasty. It’s apparent that something has taken hold of Gretchen and Abby is terrified.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism dives into the friendship between Abby and Gretchen, as Abby witnesses her best friend spiraling while losing herself to her demonic possession. Eventually, Abby stumbles upon an exorcist (who has never performed an exorcism) to help save her friend’s life before they lose her for good. The film accumulates in a dramatic and also comedic exorcism—as the title suggests.
The dynamic between the two friends is shallow (as with other interactions) and the script has some cringe-worthy moments, however; it adds to the ‘80s charm and aesthetic that the film has adopted. While some might find this to be detrimental to the film, it further adds to the teenage vibe that the film has attempted and achieved for a mass market audience, rather than the horror heads that would typically venture into a possession movie.
The film is full of wonderfully gross moments that utitlise practical effects, enhancing the viewing experience throughout. The special effects team have brilliantly worked on creating entertaining scenes through their effects while maintaining the ‘80s atmosphere of the film. These aesthetic touches to the film add a comedic sense of horror that help balance the issues that are somewhat explored throughout the film without being heavy-handed.
The film is a campy dedication to the best elements of the ‘80s: big hair, lip gloss, music, and sleepovers with Ouija boards. The cinematic style choices that are made throughout hit the same spots as some of our favourite teen horrors, like Jennifer’s Body (2009), Scream (1994), and I Know What You Did Last Summer (1998). While the fantastic nostalgic needle drops are incredibly placed, the pop culture references are spot on for the time of the film, without leaving people behind because of the niche. It feels as though Thomas has brought these significant moments from Hendrix’s work to the screen, creating impactful and warm substance to a film that resonates with readers and viewers alike.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism is a fun possession popcorn flick full of gross (but stylish) demonic bits and pieces that is SURE to be a good time, even for those source material purists out there. This release is a fun and casual introduction to a popular horror genre that might not be accessible or watchable to everyone.
You can watch My Best Friend’s Exorcism streaming on Prime Video.
