The Last Exorcism Part II: Or is it the Last, Really?

So, The Last Exorcism Part II. Just the title alone, right? I mean, can something really be “the last” if there’s a Part II? Sounds like when my uncle swore his “last” camping trip in the Västerbotten wilderness, only to go back every midsommar.

This movie picks up where the first one left off, with Ashley Bell returning as Nell Sweetzer. She does this incredible job of looking perpetually terrified as if she’s seen a ghost—which, well, she probably did. Her emotive eyes? Yeah, they carry a lot of weight here, more than any heavy dialogue could. Felt like a haunted painting of Edvard Munch, with layers that keep unfolding.

Now, produced by Eli Roth, you’d expect some of those lovely freak-you-out raw moments, and it does deliver, kinda. But there are times when the scares feel like leftovers—like, you had them yesterday and they were incredible, but today they’re a bit meh. But there’s something about Eli’s touch that’s like that old Gävle goat, somehow surviving against all odds each year.

What struck me, and maybe it’s a bit personal, but watching all the possessions and exorcisms, I couldn’t help remembering my old neighbor, Fru Lundgren. She’d hiss when we played our music too loud claiming she was possessed by rock n roll devils—God bless her soul. It sounds amusing now, but back then, it was spine-chilling.

The movie swings between being subtly creepy and full-blown madness, making it hard to pin down. It’s like trying to figure out Stockholm’s weather in April. One moment sunshine, next, you’re drowning in snow.

It’s not perfect, but there are moments that really pull you in. If you’re into slow-burn possession stories with a touch of teenage angst—because, oh boy, Nell’s still battling her inner demons—then maybe give it a whirl. Just, don’t plan to be truly terrified. Maybe unsettled is the word? Confused might also work.

And, if nothing else, it’s a good excuse to grab some popcorn and a friend this Friday night. ‘Cause, in the end, it’s all about those shared shivers, right?

Check the trailer below