Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Last Exorcism

film

The Last Exorcism

2010

After years of performing “exorcisms” and taking believers’ money, Reverend Marcus travels to rural Louisiana with a film crew so he can dispel what he believes is the myth of demonic possession. The dynamic reverend is certain that this will be another routine “exorcism” on a disturbed religious fanatic but instead comes upon the blood-soaked farm of the Sweetzer family and a true evil he would have never thought imaginable.

Ages 18+Source checked

Why this age? Strong horror, graphic violence and animal death, disturbing pregnancy and birth imagery, occult ritual, sexual references, frightening possession themes, and multiple brutal deaths make it unsuitable for children and most younger teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age18+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Frightening scenes5/5
  • Graphic injury5/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Diverse representation2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

Multiple main characters are killed in brutal ways during the final sequence.

Graphic injury5/5
Why this rating?

Includes graphic imagery such as an animal killed violently, dismembered body parts, and scenes involving blood.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Contains moderate profanity and coarse language throughout.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

A male character identifies as gay during the investigation.

Religious themes5/5
Why this rating?

Central theme involves religious fraud, faith crisis, demonic possession, and satanic cult activity.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Mention of an unwanted pregnancy resulting from a sexual encounter.

Frightening scenes5/5
Why this rating?

Strong atmosphere of dread, jump scares, and disturbing supernatural horror themes throughout.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

Contains explicit suggestive language and sexual innuendo regarding demonic possession.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal or background presence of substances.

Violence5/5
Why this rating?

Features intense scenes of physical struggle, animal cruelty, and brutal, graphic murders of main characters near the climax.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Marcus ultimately risks his life to confront the evil and protect others, though the story also depicts reckless and coercive choices.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The faux-documentary structure, shifting explanations, occult imagery, and investigation encourage genre-focused imaginative engagement.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The film includes a disabled child in the protagonist's family and a gay minor character, though neither receives extensive development.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the psychology of belief versus reality, though intended for entertainment.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Some characters attempt to protect Nell, but compassion is overwhelmed by abuse, manipulation, violence, and exploitation.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The film questions fraud, misplaced religious certainty, abuse, and exploitation, while portraying the consequences of fanaticism and deception.

Good role models1/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist begins as a deceptive, money-taking preacher and later shows courage; other adults include abusive, manipulative, or compromised figures.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Last Exorcism would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Last Exorcism, and what caused that change?
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