Cast
View AllElsie Fisher
as Abby Rivers
Amiah Miller
as Gretchen Lang
Rachel Ogechi Kanu
as Margaret Chisolm
Cathy Ang
as Glee Tanaka
Clayton Royal Johnson
as Wallace Stoney
Chris Lowell
as Christian Lemon
Nathan Anderson
as Pony Lang
Cynthia Evans
as Grace Lang
Rachel Leah Cohen
as Mrs. Rivers
John Stoneburner
as Mr. Rivers
Cameron Bass
as Brother Morgan
Ashley LeConte Campbell
as Sister Kathleen
Michael Wayne Foster
as Micah Lemon
Michael Proctor
as Jonah Lemon
Erin Ownbey
as Lemon's Mom
Crew
Director
- Damon Thomas
Producer
- Christopher Landon
- Ellen Goldsmith-Vein
- David Borgenicht
- Jennifer Semler
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. My Best Friend's Exorcism presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Damon Thomas brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of My Best Friend's Exorcism took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 116 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 72 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While My Best Friend's Exorcism shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bloody Mary, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, My Best Friend's Exorcism offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Neither the Sea Nor the Sand and Naked Evil explore similar territory, My Best Friend's Exorcism stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 29, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 36m
Where to Watch

