Set in the aftermath of World War II, this film explores the early years of Father Lankester Merrin, portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård, as he grapples with his faith following traumatic experiences during the war. Merrin is drawn to a remote archaeological dig in Africa, where an ancient church has been unearthed, and he encounters a series of disturbing events that challenge his beliefs. Directed by Paul Schrader, the movie delves into themes of good versus evil and the struggle for redemption. While it did not receive any major awards, it offers a unique perspective on the origins of the iconic exorcist character. For those interested, the film can be viewed for free on 123Movies / Movies123.