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The Exorcism (2024) movie poster

Timeline

The Exorcism (2024) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2024 · 1 h 35 m · English
Echo score 31
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Starring
Russell Crowe, Sam Worthington, Ryan Simpkins, Adrian Pasdar, Joshua John Miller, Chloe Bailey
Budget
$22M

Filmmaker Anthony Miller finds his reality increasingly intertwined with the demonic forces he is portraying in his latest project. As he struggles to distinguish between his work and his personal life, those closest to him question whether his strange behavior is the result of a relapse or something far more sinister.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The Exorcism
  6. 6 Every angle
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15 events in order · contains spoilers

The Exorcism Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The Exorcism (2024) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Tom's Casting

    Tom, an actor portrayed by Adrian Pasdar, is cast as a priest in the supernatural horror film 'The Georgetown Project.' His role is reminiscent of classic characters from films like 'The Exorcist,' establishing a chilling atmosphere on set.

    Where
    New York film set
  2. Tragic Incident

    While rehearsing his lines, Tom encounters an enigmatic supernatural force that claims his life in a gruesome twist. This shocking event becomes the catalyst for the turmoil that follows in the lives of those connected to him.

    Where
    New York film set
  3. Lee's Return Home

    In the aftermath of Tom's death, a 16-year-old girl named Lee, played by Ryan Simpkins, returns home after being suspended from school. This moment marks a crucial turning point in her life as she grapples with her own rebellion and loss.

  4. Introducing Anthony Miller

    The intense director Adam Goldberg brings in Anthony Miller, played by Russell Crowe, to fill the vacant role left by Tom. Anthony is a seasoned actor who is also battling alcoholism, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.

  5. Shared Grief

    Both Lee and Anthony are struggling with the loss of Lee's mother, finding solace in their shared experiences. Their relationship begins to develop as they navigate their pain while Anthony auditions for a remake of 'The Exorcist,' triggered by Tom's demise.

  6. Lee as Assistant

    Lee steps in to become Anthony's personal assistant during filming, helping him manage the challenges of his role. This new dynamic allows them to start repairing their strained relationship, providing mutual support in their respective struggles.

  7. Eerie Warnings from Blake

    On the first day of filming, Lee meets Blake, a prominent TV actress known for her role as a possessed girl. Blake warns Lee about the eerie occurrences that have haunted previous horror film sets, hinting at the danger that lies ahead.

  8. Anthony's Haunting Flashbacks

    As filming progresses, Anthony begins to experience haunting flashbacks linked to his traumatic childhood. This mental decline raises alarms for Lee, particularly when she discovers him in a compromising situation during a practice session.

  9. Rising Tensions

    After a disturbing argument resulting from Anthony's bizarre behavior, Lee decides to leave their household. The atmosphere becomes increasingly chaotic, pushing Lee to prioritize her well-being amidst the turmoil surrounding her father.

  10. Seeking Help

    Concerned for her father’s mental state, Lee consults with Father Conor, a Catholic priest and psychiatrist involved in the project. She reveals Anthony's troubling history and erratic behavior, seeking guidance in a growing crisis.

  11. Loss on Set

    The situation escalates when co-star Joe encounters a fatal incident involving a supernatural force on set. This tragic event amplifies the fear among the cast and crew, heightening the sense of dread surrounding the filming.

    Where
    Filming set
  12. Proposal for Exorcism

    In an effort to regain control over the increasingly chaotic situation, Father Conor suggests performing an exorcism. The tension escalates as the cast and crew grapple with the growing supernatural threats that surround them.

  13. Confronting the Possession

    In a gripping confrontation with the possessed Anthony, Blake and Lee desperately try to save Father Conor and themselves. They utilize an ancient prayer book, setting the stage for a climactic battle against the malevolent forces.

  14. Redemption and Healing

    The story culminates in a poignant reflection as Anthony realizes the deep bond formed with Lee throughout their traumatic journey. This realization sparks inspiration in Lee, leading her to begin penning her own screenplay, symbolizing hope.

  15. New Beginnings

    Inspired by their shared experiences, Lee embarks on a new creative path, demonstrating resilience in the face of darkness. This culmination of events reinforces the theme of healing and the possibility of new beginnings amid adversity.

Last updated: October 24, 2024 at 08:33

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Timeline questions answered

The Exorcism Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The Exorcism (2024): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Anthony become possessed in the film?

Anthony becomes possessed because the demon that killed actor Tom on set follows him into the production. As Anthony immerses himself in the role of the priest, playing out traumatic childhood memories related to his past, the demonic entity uses his vulnerability and psychological cracks to take control of him. His alcoholism, grief over Lee's mother, and repressed trauma create the perfect opening for the supernatural force to manifest.

Foreshadowing: Tom's death on set serves as the initial gateway for the demonic presence that later targets Anthony.

  • anthony miller
  • russell crowe
  • possession
  • demond
  • tom death
Q2

What is Anthony Miller's traumatic childhood?

Anthony Miller's traumatic childhood involves repressed memories of child sexual abuse. These memories surface as he prepares for his role as a priest in the horror film, triggering flashbacks that leave him vulnerable. The combination of acting out these painful scenes and his alcoholism creates psychological instability that the demon exploits.

Foreshadowing: The film hints at Anthony's troubled past early on when Lee discovers him in a compromising mental state during practice sessions.

  • anthony miller
  • childhood trauma
  • flashbacks
  • abuse
  • alcoholism
Q3

Why does Joe die on set?

Joe dies on set because the demonic entity that has been terrorizing the production targets him directly. After Tom's death, the supernatural force continues its rampage through the cast and crew. Joe becomes the next victim during filming when he encounters the malevolent force, resulting in a fatal incident that intensifies the fear gripping everyone involved.

Foreshadowing: Blake's warning about eerie occurrences on horror sets foreshadows the dangerous supernatural events that claim Joe's life.

  • joe
  • sam worthington
  • death
  • supernatural
  • set accident
Q4

Why does Lee leave her father during filming?

Lee leaves her father because his behavior becomes increasingly erratic and frightening. After witnessing Anthony's bizarre actions including self-inflicted injuries, suffering from disturbing flashbacks, and engaging in heated arguments, Lee decides to prioritize her own safety and well-being. The escalating chaos around Anthony's possession becomes too overwhelming for her to handle.

Foreshadowing: Lee's decision to leave follows her discovery of Anthony in a compromising mental state, which raises serious concerns about his stability.

  • lee
  • daughter
  • anthony
  • leaves
  • father
  • fight
Q5

How does the exorcism work in the film?

The exorcism is performed by Father Conor, who is both a Catholic priest and psychiatrist, using an ancient prayer book. Blake and Lee assist him in the confrontation with the possessed Anthony. The climactic battle involves them reading from the prayer book in an attempt to drive out the demon that has taken hold of Anthony. The ritual proves successful, though not without significant danger and trauma.

Foreshadowing: Father Conor's proposal for an exorcism comes after Joe's death and represents the only remaining hope for stopping the possessed Anthony.

  • exorcism
  • father conor
  • blake
  • lee
  • prayer book
  • demon
Q6

What happens to Tom at the beginning of the film?

Tom, the actor originally cast as the priest in 'The Georgetown Project,' is killed while rehearsing his lines on the New York film set. He encounters an enigmatic supernatural force that claims his life in a gruesome manner. This tragic incident creates the vacancy that brings Anthony Miller into the production and sets the supernatural horror in motion.

Foreshadowing: Tom's death establishes the deadly pattern that will continue to plague the film set.

  • tom
  • actor death
  • Adrian Pasdar
  • georgetown project
Q7

Why does Lee start writing a screenplay at the end?

Lee starts writing a screenplay at the end because her experiences during the traumatic events have inspired her creatively. After witnessing her father's struggle with possession, the battle against the demon, and their eventual bond through shared trauma, Lee finds a new creative path. The experience motivates her to channel her journey into her own story, marking a hopeful new beginning amid the darkness they endured.

Foreshadowing: The entire film-within-a-film structure of 'The Georgetown Project' seeds Lee's interest in storytelling and screenwriting.

  • lee
  • screenplay
  • writing
  • new beginning
  • hope
Q8

What is Blake's warning to Lee about on the first day?

Blake warns Lee about the eerie occurrences that have plagued previous horror film sets. As an actress known for playing a possessed girl in television, Blake has experience with the supernatural troubles that seem to follow horror productions. Her warning about unsettling events prepares Lee for the danger that ultimately unfolds on set.

Foreshadowing: Blake's warning directly foreshadows the demonic possession and violent events that occur as filming progresses.

  • blake
  • chloe bailey
  • warning
  • horror set
  • eerie occurrences
Q9

Why does Anthony struggle to deliver his lines?

Anthony struggles to deliver his lines because his role as a priest forces him to confront repressed memories of his traumatic childhood, including experiences of abuse. As he dives deeper into the character to prepare for the remake inspired by The Exorcist, the lines trigger psychological flashbacks that leave him emotionally shattered. His alcoholism and mental instability compound the difficulty, making it impossible for him to separate his personal trauma from the role.

Foreshadowing: Anthony's haunting flashbacks begin as he prepares for the role, indicating the dangerous intersection between his past and the film.

  • anthony miller
  • lines
  • flashbacks
  • trauma
  • acting
  • priest role
Q10

What causes Anthony's dramatic transformation on set?

Anthony's dramatic transformation on set is caused by the demon actively taking control of his body and mind. As filming progresses and Anthony becomes increasingly immersed in the role while grappling with his traumatic memories, the demonic entity gains stronger hold over him. This possession manifests in horrifying physical and behavioral changes that endanger everyone around him, culminating in the climactic confrontation.

Foreshadowing: The buildup of Anthony's erratic behavior, including self-inflicted injuries and disturbing arguments, culminates in this full transformation.

  • anthony
  • transformation
  • possession
  • demon
  • horrific
  • climax

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Exorcism, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Exorcism tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies where art and evil blur like in The Exorcism

Stories where creators become dangerously entangled with the dark subjects of their art. If you liked the meta-horror of The Exorcism, these movies also feature characters whose creative work dangerously intersects with real-life terror. Find similar films about filmmakers, actors, and artists confronting the dark forces they are trying to portray.

  • meta
  • unsettling
  • psychological
  • obsessive
  • haunting
  • anxious
  • Tone: dark, unsettling, psychologically complex
  • Pacing: variable, building from slow investigation to chaotic climax
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a creative professional delving into a dark, often supernatural subject for a project. As they immerse themselves, the boundaries between their work and their reality fracture, forcing them to confront whether the horror is a product of their mind or a tangible, external threat that has been invited in.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared exploration of the creative process as a gateway to horror. They blend psychological and supernatural terror, using a 'story within a story' structure to create a unique, meta-textual layer of suspense and thematic depth about obsession and the cost of art.

Fathers fighting supernatural evil like in The Exorcism

A father's desperate battle to save his child from supernatural forces, confronting his own past. For viewers who liked the heavy emotional core of The Exorcism, this list features similar horror movies where a father's love is tested against dark forces. These stories combine intense supernatural sequences with deep explorations of grief, trauma, and redemption.

  • desperate
  • emotional
  • oppressive
  • redemptive
  • tense
  • haunting
  • Tone: dark, desperate, emotionally heavy
  • Pacing: variable, with tense build-up and explosive confrontations
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a father, often burdened by a troubled past or estrangement, who is thrust into a crisis when his child becomes the target of a malevolent entity. His journey is twofold: battling the external supernatural threat while simultaneously confronting his own internal failures to become the protector his child needs.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their focus on the father-child bond as the emotional anchor amidst horror. They balance high-stakes exorcism or supernatural sequences with a heavy dramatic weight, exploring themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the scars of trauma within a family.

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Movies Like The Exorcism

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Every angle

The Exorcism (2024) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Exorcism in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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