The exorcist in the 21st century

Akselsen accompanied Catholic priest and exorcist Jose Antonio Fortea as he traveled the world to speak about exorcism. Featured in the film is Constanza, a Colombian woman who claims to have been possessed for 15 years, candidly speaking about her experience and shown under-going exorcism. (The full ritual is part of the extras). Not quite like possession as portrayed in William Friedkin's 1973 film, it is just as dramatic. Also included are interviews with official Vatican exorcist Fr. Gabriel Amorth and a priest/theology professor who argues that the devil does not exist and that all supposed cases of demonic possession are merely psychological. The film takes no position on the reality of possession and exorcism. -VERDICT Whatever the viewer's ultimate decision about the existence of demonic possession, the film does offer insights into one of the strangest yet most intriguing rituals of the Catholic Church. It will appeal to anyone interested in the more unusual aspects of the human experience, especially as it relates to religion.-Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.