The ending of My Best Friend’s Exorcism shows the power of friendship overcoming evil. Abby’s love and determination save Gretchen from demonic possession.
Set in the late 1980s, My Best Friend’s Exorcism is a horror-comedy film that explores friendship, adolescence, and demonic possession. Abby and Gretchen, best friends, face a supernatural ordeal when Gretchen becomes possessed. The film’s ending highlights the strength of their bond.
Plot Summary
The film starts with a nostalgic 80s vibe, featuring iconic music and cultural references. Abby (Elsie Fisher) and Gretchen (Amiah Miller) are best friends attending a religious high school. Their friendship faces a test when they visit a haunted house with friends Margaret and Glee. Gretchen becomes possessed by a demon named Andras, leading to disturbing events that strain their relationship.
As Gretchen’s behavior becomes more erratic and dangerous, Abby realizes her friend is possessed. Despite the lack of adult support, Abby decides to save Gretchen. The climax involves a dramatic exorcism where Abby’s unwavering friendship proves key to defeating the demon.
The Power of Friendship
The film’s ending emphasizes the strength of Abby and Gretchen’s friendship. Unlike traditional exorcism stories that rely on religious rituals, My Best Friend’s Exorcism highlights the power of platonic love. Abby’s determination to save Gretchen, despite the odds, underscores that friendship can be as powerful as familial or romantic love. This theme aligns with the novel’s message, suggesting that personal bonds provide strength and resilience in the face of evil (Screen Rant).
The Exorcism Scene
The exorcism scene is a pivotal moment. Abby, armed with love and determination, confronts the demon Andras. The scene is intense and emotional, showcasing Abby’s growth and courage. Unlike the novel’s elaborate exorcism, the film opts for a easyr, more personal approach. This choice highlights the emotional core of the story, focusing on the characters’ relationship rather than the supernatural elements (DMTalkies).
Resolution and Aftermath
The film concludes with a heartwarming resolution. After the exorcism, Gretchen is freed from the demon’s influence, and the friends reconcile. The ending credits feature a montage showing where the characters are now, providing closure and tying up loose ends. This sequence, set to classic 80s music, reinforces the nostalgic tone and leaves the audience with a sense of hope and renewal (Ready Steady Cut).
Adolescence and Inner Demons
My Best Friend’s Exorcism uses the supernatural as a metaphor for the struggles of adolescence. The possession represents inner demons like insecurity, peer pressure, and the fear of growing up. The film suggests these challenges can be overcome through support and understanding from friends. This theme is universal and resonates with audiences, making the film more than just a horror-comedy (The Cinemaholic).
Faith and Skepticism
The film also explores faith versus skepticism. The religious school setting and the characters’ varying beliefs add depth to the narrative. While traditional religious methods fail to exorcise the demon, Abby’s faith in her friendship proves to be the true source of power. This subversion of expectations challenges the audience to reconsider the nature of faith and the different forms it can take (Screen Rant).
Critical Evaluation
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Character Development: The film excels in portraying Abby and Gretchen’s friendship. Elsie Fisher and Amiah Miller deliver compelling performances, making their bond believable and relatable. Their chemistry adds emotional weight to the story (Grimoire of Horror).
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Nostalgic Elements: The 80s setting is well-executed, with authentic music, fashion, and cultural references. This nostalgic backdrop enhances the film’s charm and appeals to audiences who grew up during that era (Red River Horror).
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Humor and Horror Balance: The film successfully blends humor and horror, creating a light-hearted yet thrilling experience. The comedic elements provide relief from darker moments, making the film accessible to a wider audience (Ready Steady Cut).
Weaknesses
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Pacing Issues: Some critics note the film’s pacing is uneven. Certain scenes feel rushed, while others drag on, disrupting the overall flow. This inconsistency affects the film’s ability to maintain tension and engagement (IndieWire).
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Lack of Scares: Despite being a horror-comedy, the film falls short in delivering genuine scares. The horror elements are often diluted by humor, and the special effects are underwhelming. This may disappoint viewers seeking a more intense horror experience (IGN).
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Emotional Depth: While the film touches on serious themes, it sometimes fails to fully explore them. The potential for deeper emotional impact is undermined by the film’s tendency to prioritize humor over horror. This results in a lack of emotional follow-through on some subplots (IndieWire).
Conclusion
My Best Friend’s Exorcism is a unique blend of horror and comedy that explores the power of friendship in the face of supernatural adversity. The film’s ending, which emphasizes the strength of Abby and Gretchen’s bond, furnishes a satisfying resolution. While the film has flaws, including pacing issues and a lack of genuine scares, it delivers a heartfelt and entertaining narrative. The performances of Elsie Fisher and Amiah Miller, combined with the nostalgic 80s setting, make My Best Friend’s Exorcism a memorable addition to the horror-comedy genre.
References
- Screen Rant
- DMTalkies
- Ready Steady Cut
- The Cinemaholic
- Grimoire of Horror
- Red River Horror
- IndieWire
- IGN
