When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.

The Exorcist rides its supernatural theme to magical effect, with remarkable special effects and an eerie atmosphere, resulting in one of the scariest films of all time.

'The Exorcist' is acclaimed for its deep exploration of faith and evil, with standout performances by Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller, and Max von Sydow. Its eerie atmosphere, Mike Oldfield's score, and Friedkin's direction are lauded. Practical effects and character depth are noted. Some find the pacing slow and story lacking, yet it remains a cultural and genre milestone.