Title – Boorman and the Devil (2025)
Director – David Kittredge
Cast – John Boorman, Louise Fletcher, Joe Dante, Mike Flanagan, Linda Blair
Plot – A documentary exploration of the notorious sequel that was The Exorcist II: The Heretic as told by those involved, including legendary Hollywood director John Boorman.
“Every artist has his demon”
Review by Eddie on 29/10/2026
One of the year’s more surprising offerings, David Kittredge’s documentary Boorman and the Devil is an exploration of the notorious Hollywood sequel The Exorcist II: The Heretic, which is both a fascinating insight into the filmmaking scene and the film itself, creating a genuinely interesting subject that would work for both film aficionados and more casual cinemagoers alike.
A labour of love for Kittredge whose passion for this story and its personal is clear to see, Devil finds great grounding in its collection of talking heads, including the mastermind/victim of the whole saga John Boorman, and guests that include modern day horror king Mike Flanagan and Exorcist II cast members like Louise Fletcher and Linda Blair, taking us on an insightful journey that covers just about every element of the films journey from much-anticipated sequel to ridiculed failure.
Standing out amongst all the information, speakers and segments is the appearance of Boorman.
Responsible for the likes of classic horror Deliverance, prestige dramas like Hope and Glory and certified cult legend Zardoz, Boorman’s honesty and openness here discussing his time bringing The Exorcist II too life makes for fascinating viewing, not only about the film itself but the entire process of creating art/movies and risking it all for your vision, allowing Devil to become one of the more notable recent additions to the documentary space exploring the behind the scenes worlds of movies being born into existence.
Finding a great balance between delving into the world of The Exorcist that existed in this era and then the process of the artistry and behind the scenes dramas that occur when working on such a big and risky production, Kittredge has managed to ensure his film works in multiple facets and while it may encourage some viewers to seek out a copy of The Heretic to watch or perhaps discount the idea of making films as a good way to spend their time, at all times Devil works as an engaging expose of a topic you probably never knew you should or wanted to know about.
While the current landscape we operate in has made documentaries available to us on a greater and more accessible way than we’ve ever had before thanks to the increase and interest in the streaming space, Devil is a doco viewers would do well to seek out, with no interest needed in The Exorcist or moviemaking needed, with Kittredge’s tale one that will engage you from start to finish with an array of unexpected insights and tales that deserve to be told.
Final Say –
A gripping look into the seemingly doomed Exorcist II, the career of John Boorman and the creation of art in general, Boorman and the Devil is an unexpectedly great documentary that is well and truly worth your time.
4 locusts out of 5
Boorman and the Devil will be screening as part of the 2026 Monster Fest Program taking place across Australia from October 30th to November 1st. For a full program rundown CLICK HERE.
