Scream season is just over the horizon, meaning it is time to dust off one's seasonal best. And it never hurts to add something new, to elevate things a bit. And nothing yells seasonal fun up ahead like a teen-scream horror flick. And the new offering, My Best Friend Exorcism, seems to be the film to kick things off.
My Best Friend's Exorcism is an upcoming film based on the work of novelist Grady Hendrix published in 2016. The book's plot has been described as "Beaches meets The Exorcist," which conjures quite the image. Wonderfully, the appeal of Hendrix's work led to talks of big screen treatment. Fast-forward two years after publication and My Best Friend's Exorcism gets picked up for adaptation by Amazon Studios. And so, fans will soon get one of their first seasonal treats. And here are a few details about My Best Friend's Exorcism's plot, cast, and a few other things that will hopefully stimulate the appetite during the wait.
My Best Friend's Exorcism: The Plot
As the title displays, My Best Friend Exorcism is the story of two teenage besties Abby and Gretchen, and well demonic possession. And although the label "friendship" sounds a bit generic, Abby and Gretchen aren't just any friends. They are the kind of friends with deep roots planted in childhood. But, as things often go, people grow up. And these girls aren't exactly ten anymore. They are now teenagers traversing the minefield that is high school. And as if surviving high school is not terrifying enough, this film adds a new level of terror.
Things start to get strange for the two after what is supposed to be an evening of teenage fun. And things get even hairier and scarier when Abby discovers her best friend is not quite herself anymore. But, of course, teenage drama isn't the only thing that has gotten under the good-hearted Gretchen's skin. And who else but a friend would recognize that your clothing choices aren't the only thing that has changed?
Something sinister has crawled into Gretchen and is throwing things off kilter. However, Abby isn't one to easily hand her friend over. So, she puts everything on the line. The good thing is she will not have to face the evil alone. Christian Lemon, a man of faith, gets hip to what's going down and jumps on board to help Abby out. But as most horror fans know, evil never goes down easy. So, all that's left is to buckle in and find out the answer to one essential question:
“Is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil?
My Best Friend's Exorcism: The Cast
No one denies that one of the pivotal aspects of a film's success is its cast. So, taking the lead in this film as Abby Rivers is Elsie Fisher. Fisher brings a bit of experience to the table. She was formerly cast in the 2022 Texas Chain Saw Massacre in the role of Lila. In addition, Amiah Miller has been tapped to fill the role of Abby's best friend Gretchen (The Possessed). Some may recognize Amiah Miller from the 2016 horror movie Light's Out and War for the Planet of the Apes 2017.
But movies take more than well-casted leads to make a favorable impression. So, in My Best Friend's Exorcism, the cast will be rounded out by Christopher Lowell (Christian Lemon), Cathy Ang (Glee Tanaka), and Rachel Ogechi Kanu (Margaret Chisolm).
Another plus for the film is the other talented names attached to the project. The screenplay bears the creative mark of Jenna Lamia, also known for writing for the hit series 90210 and Good Girls. Damon Thomas, also known for directing Killing Eve and Penny Dreadful, will sit in the director's chair. Additionally, My Best Friend's Exorcism will have as a producer Christopher Landon known for his work on Happy Death Day and Freaky supernatural horror comedies.
Release Date
Nothing says campy horror like a film set in the heyday of horror films such as Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street. So, for lovers of everything '80s, My Best Friend's Exorcism will hit the sweet spot. The film is a throwback set in the late '80s. Additionally, it contains quite the nostalgic punch as it takes viewers back with some great '80s music and thematic elements.
With a good cast, an exciting storyline, and a talented crew, the only thing that is missing is the experience. For those craving a little nostalgic scream-teen terror to start the season, My Best Friend's Exorcism is set to release on September 30, 2022. And what's more, viewers can watch from the comfort of their homes. The film will be heading straight to Amazon Prime.