Dark Exorcism

What if the greatest danger in demonic possession is that the devil might talk your ear off? In this chatty, low budget horror movie, young artist Bethany (Grace Folsom) freaks out her single mom, Joan (Catherine Cobb Ryan), by growling, contorting, and speaking with an unholy voice. Enter Columbia University parapsychologist Lois (Fiona Horrigan) and skeptical assistant Veronica (Lynn Justinger), who take turns heading to the basement to confront poor Bethany's occupant, with each coming back upstairs chastened and wounded. Joan can't get through to Bethany either, but as is often the case with possession movies, the dark secrets of the forces of good are revealed by the monster, challenging their fitness and stamina to stand up to pure evil. And that's pretty much what happens for the majority of the film: the demon brings up everyone's dirty laundry. The mundane spooky effects here include an off-camera fan blowing Bethany's hair around (evil!) and an invisible hand pulling on a bedsheet. Folsom is solid in the lead role, but this tiresomely talky film wears out its welcome long before the final credits. Not recommended. (T. Keogh)