Movie review: The Exorcism of Molly Hartley

Now many years after The Haunting of Molly Hartley, a night of celebration ends with two corpses in Molly's bathtub. Under possession of a demon, her only salvation may come from a fallen priest.

Sarah Lind (Molly), Devon Sawa (Father John Barrow), Gina Holden (Dr. Hawthorne), Peter MacNeill (Chaplain Davies), Daina Leitold (Janet), Julia Arkos (Beatrice), Tom McLaren (Father James).

The Exorcism of Molly Hartley begins with a flashback showing us her original exorcism six years ago, which may have been botched. Fast forward and we find Molly possessed once again and Father Barrow possibly her only hope. As the demons inside Molly grow stronger, the race is on to stop them before hell is unleashed upon humanity.
As exorcism films go, and there are plenty, this one is pretty good. There are a few plot holes that at times had us questioning things, but the horror is entertaining enough to keep us from dwelling on them. Other reviews and ratings for this film are pretty low and fair enough, it doesn't bring much to the genre. And for those who insist on perfection the minor plot holes could be traumatic. Yet, the horror here is quite good

Acting was a bit inexperienced at times but overall pretty good. Lind does a nice job with a variety of emotions and an ever changing character. Sawa was a bit dry at times but solid. Holden felt a bit out of place in a couple of scenes, but came through as did MacNeill and the remainder of the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable with good variety and detail. The film apparently had a nice budget with good costuming and well done CGI. Action scenes were solid, realistic, and fit the film nicely. Dialogue was nice even if some of the 'demon speak' was difficult. Sound and soundtrack were fitting.

Overall The Exorcism of Molly Hartley, which can be watched without seeing the original film, is a nicely done supernatural horror flick. Fans of the genre, or exorcism films, should enjoy this one.

With some intense sexuality, nudity, plenty of gore, violence, disturbing images, profanity, and drinking thrown in for good measure, save this one for the oldest teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 8.5.16
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Horror

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