The Exorcist III (1990)

The Exorcist III (1990) is a gripping American psychological horror film directed and written by William Peter Blatty, based on his novel Legion from 1983. Set fifteen years after Regan MacNeil’s harrowing exorcism in 1975, the story follows Father Dyer and Lieutenant Kinderman as they reflect on the late Father Damien Karras. Strange events begin to unfold at a local church, where a crucifix unexpectedly opens its eyes. Later, a man wanders the streets claiming to have had a dream about ‘falling down a long flight of steps’, leading Kinderman to suspect that someone is committing murders related to Karras’ tragic death. The following day, Kinderman is summoned to investigate the brutal murder of Thomas Kintry, who was found with his head replaced by a decapitated statue of Jesus.

Following the tragic death of Father Kanavan during a false confessional one night, it is discovered that his death, along with the subsequent murder of Father Dyer while he was hospitalized, point to separate perpetrators. Despite this, both murders share a disturbing similarity – decapitation. In his investigation aided by Sergeant Mel Atkins, Kinderman uncovers that these killings bear striking resemblance to the modus operandi of infamous serial killer James Venamun, also known as ‘The Gemini Killer’, who was executed fifteen years ago. As he delves deeper into the case, Kinderman pays a visit to Father Riley, head of the church council where Kanavan and Dyer had served fifteen years prior under his leadership.