Deliver Us from Evil

One day, Catholic cop Sarchie got blind drunk and had a fit at the jukebox playing The Doors. And now there’s a humorous police crime buddy exorcist horror “inspired by true events" where, thanks to the width of the genre, you don’t get clichés you’ve seen a hundred times over from just one or two, but from three genres at once. So situations arise where separate clichés meet in clashing combinations and create something completely new, often bizarre or downright ridiculous, but always (however unintentionally) entertaining. If only it could decide what it wants to be, if it were shorter, if only it didn’t run off naively into ridiculous situations (welcome to the tomb with the twisting Morrison or the furry owl) if only the frights weren’t so cheap and pre-warned, if only Ramírez had at least a pinch of charisma, if only McHale weren’t Jeff from Community, if only this, if only that, this could have been good, very good. Unfortunately, there are too many “if only"s for one picture. (03/07/2014)

Derrickson's film overall works well and it's clear that he is capable of storytelling, having good moments in it and eventually building it up. If the part with the wife and daughter were cut out, the overall tone of the film wouldn't change and it might even be a bit more dynamic and suspenseful. The gore scenes are great and the exorcism itself is truly the climax. If it weren't for the constant feeling of repetition, I would give the film an even higher rating. (06/02/2015)

Well done! A horror film that is watchable and enjoyable, unlike all that weird mainstream stuff. The film builds on a good story and cast and is filled with a perfectly grim atmosphere from the start. I was going to give it five stars, but I was put off by the ending. From the rescue of the wife and daughter until the closing credits, it turned into a very unpleasant surprise and even disappointment. The screenwriter is not to blame, he couldn't have come up with a different ending, as the film was based on true events... (10/08/2016)

Technically, this is absolutely divine. Legendary shot composition, transitions in focus, lighting, and masks. Thank you. The rest of the cast, led by the haha hoo hoo owl and the integrated demonic MP3 in the hero's head, does its best to make you spit Bruckheimer-flavored popcorn at the screen and giggle through the next two scenes. Fortunately, we're told that the senselessness of the dark forces' actions is due to the fact that we as humans are unable to grasp it, so that takes care of that. Plus, I'm of the opinion that Scott Derrickson’s ol’ pal Jesus should dock his allowance. (25/10/2014)

The elements of ghost horror movies set in an A-rated thriller a la Se7en – a tough cop with a flashlight finds his way through the darkness. The script is not exactly inventive, but the craftsmanship is perfect. Scott Derrickson knows what he’s doing. The main character is not a one-dimensional good guy; he has his own skeleton in the closet he has to deal with. The atypical priest becomes an important sidekick. The film is aided by its fast pace, the hellish make-up of the main bad guy (Sean Harris, who plays him, also deserves praise) and the instrumentally varied music by Christopher Young, which is monumental bordering on frightening. The slow start escalates into an intense horror experience. The use of music by The Doors is strange, but it gives the film a certain cool feel and individuality. “Vengeance always destroys the avenger.” (07/08/2014)