‘The Exorcist In The 21st Century’ Shows Real Catholic Exorcism

The Exorcist in the 21st Century will hit DVD shelves this week, offering an unprecedented look at the ages-old Catholic ritual.

According to the press release, filmmakers Fredrik Horn Akselsen and Christian Falch were allowed to “accompany one of the few exorcists in Europe, the Vatican-approved Father José Antonio Fortea,” on his travels.

Father Fortea has specialized in informing the masses about demonic possession for a number of years. He also has offered support to other exorcists.

Vatican exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth, was also a central figure in the documentary, having done the work for a quarter of a century. In the film, Amorth claims to have seen 70,000 cases during his career.

Amorth also lent his support to The Rite starring Anthony Hopkins.

At the center of The Exorcist in the 21st Century, filmmakers focus on Constanza, a Colombian woman, who states that she has been possessed by demons for 15 years. She looks at Fortea as her last hope.

Akselsen and Falch tag along for the journey and get unique insight into the exorcism ritual, which has caused unrest and fear for generations, inspiring one of the most revered horror films of all time in 1973’s shocker The Exorcist from director William Friedkin.

The previous film so disturbed audiences that evangelical minister Billy Graham once claimed it had a demonic force living in the reels, according to IMDb.

The press release added that the real-life casting out of demons shown in the 2012 documentary, is “every bit as disturbing as anything Hollywood filmmakers could conjure up.”

The disc also features a 50-minute exorcism and extended interviews with Fortea and Amorth.

(Unfortunately, it does not contain footage from the Nicki Minaj exorcism of 2012, which given her American Idol track record, apparently failed miserably.)

It may be surprising in the 21st Century that people still buy in to exorcisms, but apparently, it is still so common that the Catholic Church in Milan, Italy, has recently set up a hotline to field calls from concerned individuals, who think they may have a demon on their hands. Check it here:

So what do you think about demon possession — something to it or a bunch of hooey? And will you be checking out The Exorcist in the 21st Century this week?