1. Plot Summary
The Exorcism of Molly Hartley is a supernatural horror sequel to The Haunting of Molly Hartley (2008). MOVIES & MANIA+3Wikipedia+3Horror DNA+3
Years after the events of the first film, Molly Hartley (Sarah Lind) is now an adult. She is arrested after the bodies of two friends are discovered following a night she cannot fully remember. IMDb+3Wikipedia+3Admit One Film Addict+3
Simultaneously, Father John Barrow (Devon Sawa), a priest who botched an exorcism years earlier resulting in tragic deaths, has been defrocked and committed to a Catholic mental institution. Horror Movie A Day+4Wikipedia+4MOVIES & MANIA+4
Molly is sent to the same asylum for psychiatric evaluation under Dr. Laurie Hawthorn (Gina Holden). Strange phenomena escalate: Molly begins speaking in a different voice, insects manifest from her body, and supernatural occurrences intensify. Absolute Horror+4Wikipedia+4MOVIES & MANIA+4
Dr. Hawthorn eventually believes Molly is possessed and enlists the reluctant Father Barrow to perform an exorcism. During the ritual, black insects are expelled, a deeper conspiracy involving Chaplain Henry Davies and occult forces tied to the “Leviathan” is revealed. Bloody Disgusting!+6Wikipedia+6Absolute Horror+6
In the climax, Barrow, Molly, and Hawthorn escape Davies’ ritualistic scheme. But in the final scene, one of the devil insects flies into a school bus, hinting that the evil might continue beyond Molly’s rescue. Don’s Horror World+3Bloody Disgusting!+3MOVIES & MANIA+3
2. Notable Elements
- The film opens with a flashback exorcism on a pregnant woman that goes terribly wrong, establishing guilt and supernatural stakes early. Rock Paper Hatchet+2Horror Movie A Day+2
- Molly’s metamorphoses—changes in voice, facial distortions, insects emerging—are among the more visually ambitious horror moments. Horror Movie A Day+3Wikipedia+3Admit One Film Addict+3
- The dual narrative of Molly and Father Barrow gives balance: we see both her suffering and his internal struggle for redemption. Wikipedia+3Horror Movie A Day+3MOVIES & MANIA+3
- The twist revealing Chaplain Davies’ deeper involvement and the Leviathan occult lore adds a layer of conspiracy beyond ordinary possession. Absolute Horror+4Wikipedia+4Don’s Horror World+4
- The final teasy scene—an insect entering a school bus—leaves the ending open and unsettling. Bloody Disgusting!+2MOVIES & MANIA+2
However, there are weaknesses:
- Many horror tropes are recycled: loud jump scares, vomit scenes, demonic whispers. Reviewers call it derivative. Admit One Film Addict+3Bloody Disgusting!+3My Bloody Reviews+3
- The pacing is uneven. Some segments lag with procedural or psychiatric scenes before the horror escalates. Jay Hates Movies+2Admit One Film Addict+2
- Dialogue and character motivations sometimes feel flat or underwritten—Molly’s transformation is more external than emotional. Jay Hates Movies+2MOVIES & MANIA+2
- The visual effects (e.g. insects, distortions) are ambitious but not always convincing—some sequences feel cheesy rather than horrific.
3. Themes and Messages
- Redemption and guilt: Father Barrow’s story is one of seeking atonement after his failure, paralleling Molly’s struggle.
- Possession as inherited sin: The narrative continues the idea from the first film that Molly’s soul was promised to the devil, setting her on a predestined path.
- Duality and identity: Molly’s voice shifting, being referred to as “we,” and internal conflict reflect themes of duality, loss of self, and the fight for agency.
- Evil as contagion: The final insect scene implies that demonic forces might spread, reinforcing fear that evil cannot be fully contained.
- Faith, authority & corruption: The involvement of clergy, chaplains, and occult texts like “Leviathan” underscores the danger when religious authority is misused or corrupted.
While the film isn’t tied to holiday or sentimental rhythms, its struggle between darkness and salvation, and the cost of faith, resonate with the deeper emotional reflections sometimes connected to seasonal tales.
4. Personal Impressions
What I liked:
- The film makes a solid attempt to expand the Molly Hartley mythology, bringing in occult lore and new stakes rather than repeating the first movie.
- The horror moments—especially body horror and insect manifestations—have a visceral punch.
- The balance between Molly and Barrow is a strength; their arcs feel connected and motivate the story’s tension.
- The open ending leaves a lingering unease, which fits a possession/horror film’s tone.
Where it stumbles:
- I often felt the emotional core was undercut by spectacle—the film shows more than it lets us feel.
- Some horror elements are predictable or too familiar.
- Effects and execution sometimes fall short of ambition—some scares feel more contrived than shocking.
- The shifts in tone—from psychiatric drama to full demon horror—can be jarring.
5. Audience Recommendations
You may enjoy The Exorcism of Molly Hartley if:
- You like possession / exorcism horror with occult lore, body horror, and spiritual stakes.
- You’re a fan of the Molly Hartley series and want to see how the story continues.
- You appreciate a horror film with dual protagonists and moral tension—not pure shock.
- You don’t expect perfect originality or polish, but are open to atmospheric horror and twists.
You might be less satisfied if:
- You prefer horror grounded in psychological realism without overt demonology.
- You dislike clichés, jump scares, or effects that sometimes look less than seamless.
- You expect deep character arcs and rational motivations over spectacle and mythology.
6. Conclusion & Rating
The Exorcism of Molly Hartley (2015) is ambitious in linking possession, occult conspiracy, and redemption arcs. It doesn’t always succeed, and many of its moves feel familiar, but it delivers some effective horror moments and deepens its lore. Its flaws in pacing, dialogue, and effects are real, but with moderated expectations, it can satisfy fans of supernatural horror.
Final Recommendation: Worth a watch for exorcism/horror fans, especially if you like mythology mixed with possession. Don’t expect a masterpiece—but expect some eerie moments.
⭐ Rating: 2.75 / 5
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