The Exorcism

Geoff Tullman, a once-acclaimed method actor, stands at the edge of his profession's zenith. However, his career path seems to be perpetually plagued by addiction and mental instability. The majority of the film takes place during a prolonged shooting schedule for 'The Exorcism,' a supernatural horror film that embodies a form of self-torture for Geoff. The intensity and disturbing nature of the project deeply resonate with Gef's past struggles. As production begins, Geoff becomes increasingly immersed in the on-screen events. His character, Father Henry, is a troubled Catholic priest attempting to rid a young girl of an impending demonic possession. The more Geoff delves into the character's psyche, the more he unwittingly weaves his own personal demons into the narrative. It becomes increasingly clear that the pressures and circumstances surrounding 'The Exorcism' filming mirror the unrelenting chaos that defined his life after his stint in rehab several years prior. Geoff's strained relationship with his estranged daughter, Angel, is palpable. Their strained bond stems from Geoff's history of addiction and his tendency to push people away when his life spirals out of control. As Geoff leans deeper into his Father Henry character, his grip on reality falters. Angel is the only person who consistently challenges Geoff to confront his demons. However, even she becomes caught within the web of Geoff's tumultuous psyche, questioning whether her father's withdrawal back into his vices is genuine or a desperate attempt at self-preservation. Tensions on set escalate as shooting of 'The Exorcism' draws to a close. Geoff's erratic behavior causes friction between him and the film's director, Tony. Tony's growing frustration with Geoff's tardiness and uncooperativeness is compounded by the on-set tension that resembles a haunted house. It raises more questions about whether Geoff's fragility stems from the project at hand or his personal demons. While struggles with addiction and the devastating consequences it brings are a focal point in 'The Exorcism,' there's an equally disturbing undercurrent – the possibility of supernatural forces beyond Geoff's control manipulating him. This sinister dynamic appears more grounded in the confines of a Hollywood film set, adding an unsettling parallel between reality and the supernatural narrative Geoff is portraying on screen. As production grinds to a halt, Angel raises concerns about Geoff's personal well-being. In response, Tony proposes attending a 'treatment event,' essentially a wellness retreat for struggling industry professionals, in hopes of getting Geoff's dark impulses under control. However, the retreat ultimately proves ineffective, leading to a heart-wrenching climax in which Geoff and Angel confront their fragmented relationship. The film's second half unfolds into a dark spiral, revealing fragments of Geoff's troubled past: substance abuse allegations, erratic behavior on previous film sets, and his failed attempt at settling in a stable relationship. This chaotic web of fractured relationships reaches a breaking point, heightening tensions and drawing the audience deeper into the crumbling chaos in which Geoff, the once-great actor, has left his life. The contrast between the sensationalized supernatural elements presented in 'The Exorcism' and Geoff's stark, real-life hardships creates a sense of foreboding. With the fragile line between reality and the world of horror thinning rapidly, Geoff hits rock bottom – a poignant conclusion that cuts through the layers of chaos that have festered throughout the film. 'The Exorcism' expertly weaves the protagonist's labyrinthine life into its exploration of the supernatural and the blurred lines between the worlds of reality and fiction. It serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating price of neglecting personal rehabilitation and the intense human toll that high-octane anxiety – in both the on-screen narrative and the reality of addiction being portrayed – can have on those closest to you.