EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC

Summary

In this episode of With Gourley And Rust, the hosts dive into the notoriously bizarre 1977 sequel Exorcist II: The Heretic. Moving away from the grounded, terrifying atmosphere of the original, the hosts analyze how this film functions more like a psychological, sci-fi thriller than a traditional horror movie. They draw comparisons between the film’s unique, rust-colored production design and other experimental works of the era, noting that the movie feels strikingly disconnected from its predecessor despite being a direct sequel. The discussion highlights the film’s strange, dreamlike aesthetic—particularly the recurring imagery of locusts and the trippy, kaleidoscopic sets. The hosts also touch upon the performances, specifically Richard Burton’s reserved, stoic turn as a priest and Linda Blair’s return to the role of Regan, which they note suffers from a shift in tone and direction. Throughout the episode, the hosts explore why the film, despite being considered a failure by many, remains a fascinating, albeit confusing, anomaly in cinema history. They ultimately conclude that while it lacks the cohesion of the first film, its surreal ambition and "what the fuck" energy make it a captivating subject for retrospective analysis.

Updated Jun 30, 2026