Refuge

You know, Renny Harlin knows how to make a film. Unfortunately he seems incapable of choosing the correct vehicle for his endeavours.

This is essentially a Muslim version of The Exorcist, without any of the thrills or tension that made that film a classic.

There are plenty of fine actors in this film, but they are only handed cliches with which to work.

I'm afraid to criticise the direction this movie takes because I may bring a jihad down on myself, but it appears someone was trying to drive home the idea that a 2000 year old spirit may only be exorcised by a 1400 year old religion. Further to that, the 2000 year old religion that managed to rid the world of the demon that infected Linda Blair is treated as a sideshow worthy of only a few disparaging scenes. If they really wanted a convincing showdown, perhaps they should have chosen an even older religion instead. You know which one I mean.

Ultimately, this is a rather pedestrian attempt at a woke-ish horror film that is is well shot but offers little by way of horror or even thrills.

Go rewatch The Exorcist instead.