It was because I read The Exorcist Effect. I realize that there are lots of movies that I could’ve watched for Nightmares with the Bible, but with limited time, limited budget, and limited social contact, I made choices without all the data. I guess no one ever has all the data, really. In any case, I could’ve discussed The Crucifixion. I’ve been taking a bit of a break from exorcism movies, but since this one was based on a true story I’d not heard before Exorcist Effect, I decided to give it a go. Although highly fictionalized, the movie crew did pick up on significant details from the case of Maricica Irina Cornici, who died after an exorcism in Romania. The framing story is that of Nicole Rawlins, a journalist who wants to learn the truth.
In fact, the story is really about how Rawlins comes to faith after confronting the demon Agares. Rawlins has guilt over being an atheist, unable to convince her dying mother to try new treatment and then by letting her die with the knowledge that her daughter has no faith. In Romania Rawlins drives around a lot and, in one of the most difficult to accept aspects, everyone freely gives information. Sister Adelina Marinescu, the victim, we’re led to believe, picked up a sexually transmitted demon in Germany. Her brother, and friends, even the bishop, all freely share their opinions. Rawlins develops a crush on the local priest, Fr. Anton. He wants her to regain faith since, as an atheist, she’s an easy target with a demon on the loose.
It turns out that the demon was actually transmitted from a possessed priest, who got it from a possessed farmer. It then passed to Sister Adelina and from her to Rawlins. Her possession becomes apparent on the farm of the original possessed man and Fr. Anton performs an unplanned exorcism to save Rawlins from the same fate as Sister Adelina. Rawlins comes to believe; she saw her mother during a brief moment when, it’s implied, Nicole died. The film has a rather convoluted plot and many scenes where logic seems to break down, but it is certainly a passable horror film. Rawlins earns sympathy as the lead, and the Romanian setting is a nice (if historical) touch. The local festival “like Halloween” adds intrigue. The movie didn’t rock the critics, but it seems like it works for what it is. And if I even write a follow-up to Nightmares, it will definitely be included.