My Best Friend’s Exorcism tells the story of Abby and Gretchen, two high school friends who have been close since the fourth grade. After spending the night at a remote cabin with their three other friends Margaret, Glee, and Wallace- and slightly under the influence of some tabs of acid- Abby begins noticing slight differences in her best friend.
Based on Grady Hendrix’s 2016 novel of the same name, the lead performances of Elsie Fisher and Amiah Miller as Abby and Gretchen respectively are the true heart of the film. Elsie, best known for her Golden Globe-nominated performance in Bo Burnham’s sobering dramedy Eighth Grade, plays Abby with the right mix of charm and concern.
As Gretchen starts behaving more erratically, Abby tries to figure out why. The pair's friendship is truly believable when Gretchen starts confiding in her one day after class. Amiah’s portrayal of Gretchen’s descent into darkness is unflinchingly disturbing as her scars due to her possession become visible. Her bright, bubbly personality is transformed into a gaslighting, manipulative monster.
Set against the backdrop of the 1980's, the film is deftly aware of the films that have been made before as it turns the teenage, coming-of-age genre on its head. Fully realized female characters openly spouting pop-culture references was refreshing. The dichotomy of the idyllic, South Carolina suburbs contrasted with demonic possession and the darker side of characters served as a great added layer that the film benefited from.
Aside from some less than satisfying visuals, very hit-or-miss humor, and an adequate ending, the film as a whole was a great attempt at recapturing the '80s vibe.
-Michael Omoruan