Review of The Last Exorcism Part II (2013) by Dennis C — 02 Mar 2013

Another Modern Day Classic.

By: Dennis Campbell.

Through the slew of terrible movies in this early season a beacon of light has appeared. It is not an overblown drama, nor was it a depressing love story; although the ending is by far one of the saddest I have seen in quite some time. Forgive me for being vague however I feel this movie deserves all the credit that can be mustered out of a small review. For not only has it saved what is usually the worse quarter of the year in terms of movies, it has also given new life to a genre which has been on life support since Freddy Kruger stopped murdering people in their sleep. The film in question is The Last Exorcism Part II. The film picks up shortly after the first one ends, there is a pan over the woods which Nell was dragged through and tortured in. On the ground is the video camera used in the first film, seeing it lie alone without an owner starts a steady buildup of Hitchcock like frights that culminate in a terrifying sequence that not even Wes Craven could have imagined. From the woods we are taken to a small house where a couple is laying in bed, the woman gets up to use the restroom, and taking her place is Nell. Ashley Bell, the actress who practically made The Last Exorcism returns in a demonic state. After attacking the male she scurries beside a refrigerator, and as the camera focuses in on her red eyes we know that Abalam has returned.

From there Nell goes to be evaluated by a list of doctors, and just like any good horror film there is a moment of peace. The clouds part and sunlight shines down upon the life of Nell. Whatever happened to her in the woods was only a fantasy, and although she does not know what lies ahead in her heart she knows it will be good. She meets a boy named Chris (Spencer Treat Clark), and they begin somewhat of a romance together. And for about thirty minuets of the movie all is well, that is until the phone rings.

Nell answers a phone call and hears the sound of a baby crying on the other end. This however is just the beginning, from there visions of her late father begin to haunt her, pleading with her to resist evil. At every turn Nell's innocence is in danger and she becomes what so many characters in horror films are not, she becomes relatable. Her soft presence and insecurity tugs at the hearts of the viewers and it aches every time she is in pain. A fabulous example of how she wins the hearts of the audience over is very early on in the film when she utters the line,.

"Nice boots.".

Of course you will have to see the first part to understand the significance of this line. But it captures so much emotion that it becomes a signature line in the movie. Then of course her friends begin to turn on her, or at least she believes so. The brilliance of the first part of this series is not so much the acting involved, but how open the storyline is to the possibility the Nell is simply schizophrenic. Although this idea is partially discredited early on in the film, the question of that never leaves until the very end. If anything makes this movie worth watching it is the ever present uncertainty of whether we are watching a possessed woman, or just a schizophrenic.

But it is not just Ashley Bell who performs well in this movie; there is the flawless acting performance of Spencer Treat Clark. His childish image is a great match for Nell's insecurity, there is a scene where the two are at a zoo and Nell asks why he likes her so much. Although Chris has no real reason, the connection is clearly there. The only thing sadder than the ending is seeing the boy we have come to like commit suicide. And even worse perhaps, he was possessed by Abalam. Shortly after his death the phone rings again, and it is Chris on the other line.

In one act of defiance and strength Nell swears vengeance upon Abalam, and so beings the heartbreaking ending.

Locked inside an enchanted room Nell is being prepared for yet another exorcism, and as it begins Abalam appears before her, unseen to the other four participants. As Nell screams in agony Abalam inches closer, he is wearing a mask. As the air is sucked out of the theater he reveals who he truly is, Abalam is not a he, but Nell herself. It is revealed that it is her destiny to become Abalam, to rule over the world and bring forth the End Times. As this revelation is made between the two Nell's, the Priest conducting the exorcism injects Nell with a deadly dosage of morphine. While her strength fades, she is presented with a choice. Take Abalam's hand and accept who she truly is, or die without fulfilling her destiny.

Just before she can make a decision her heart monitor goes flat and she dies, but some of her subconscious still lingers behind those eyes of hers. While the remainder of the group cries Nell jolts up, and takes Abalam's hand.

After murdering those who tried to save her, Nell returns to her boarding house and faces her guardian.

"Nell?" He asks.

She shakes her head no.

Then, in a flash his body is bashed against the door and the house is set on fire. One of the last images that we see of Nell is her wearing the boots she spoke of early on in the film. It is then we know the transformation is complete; there remains nothing of Nell the sweet girl who cherished all things. All that remains is Abalam, and as the film ends he drives down the street setting everything ablaze.

While the film may not be as well thought out as the first one, The Last Exorcism Part II is every bit as terrifying and bone chilling. Although this film may not receive the best reviews I urge all those who read this to go in with an open mind. And once the credits roll make up your own mind, and say a prayer for Nell.