Year: 2010
Runtime: 87 min
Language: English
Director: Daniel Stamm
In rural Louisiana, Reverend Cotton Marcus, a preacher struggling with his own doubts, is asked to perform an exorcism on Nell, the teenage daughter of Louis Sweetzer. As Cotton investigates, he finds himself questioning the nature of her affliction and the reality of possession. His attempts to debunk what seems like a supernatural phenomenon lead him deeper into a disturbing situation, blurring the lines between genuine faith and psychological distress, and ultimately testing his beliefs.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Last Exorcism yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Last Exorcism (2010), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The story revolves around Reverend Cotton Marcus, a character depicted by Patrick Fabian, who resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, alongside his wife and son. Once a firm believer in his ministry, Cotton’s faith begins to waver after a tragic incident involving the death of an autistic child during an exorcism — a situation that resonates painfully with him, reminding him of his own disabled son. His revelation leads him to acknowledge that the healing of his son stems from science rather than divine intervention.
In a bid to expose the practice of exorcism as a hoax, he agrees to participate in a documentary project, collaborating with a film crew that includes producer and director Iris Reisen and cameraman Daniel Moskowitz. Randomly selecting a letter from a person requesting an exorcism, his quest brings him to the troubled family of Louis Sweetzer who believes his daughter Nell, played by Ashley Bell, is possessed. Upon arrival, Marcus encounters hostility from Nell’s brother, Caleb, who wishes for them to leave immediately. Adding to the complexity, Marcus uncovers that the livestock on the farm have also been mysteriously harmed.
In hopes of tricking the Sweetzers into believing in his prowess as an exorcist, Cotton sets up hidden speakers and electronic devices before performing the ritual. Post-ritual, he and his crew are convinced that they have treated Nell’s condition, which they assume was misinterpreted as demonic possession. However, their certainty is shaken when Nell later appears in Cotton’s hotel room, prompting him to seek medical clarification for her state. Despite seeking the expertise of a doctor who finds Nell physically sound, her father’s reaction to her supposed mental instability raises further questions.
As tensions within the Sweetzer household escalate, with Nell being chained for her violent behavior, Marcus and his crew delve deeper into the mystery, resulting in eerie and unsettling discoveries. They encounter disturbing artwork created by Nell that foreshadows potential doom for themselves. The pressure mounts when they learn Nell is purportedly pregnant. This revelation sparks a heated argument between Cotton and Louis regarding therapeutic versus supernatural solutions for Nell.
After a violent outburst from Nell, Cotton resolves to conduct another exorcism to protect her from her father’s frenzied attempts to control her. They relocate to the barn, where the situation escalates dramatically, and the demon’s influence over Nell is palpably sinister. During a climactic confrontation, Nell reveals the truth behind her violent episodes, exposing a tangled web of shame and deceit.
Determined to solve the riddle of Nell’s behavior, Cotton and his crew return to the farm only to find harrowing signs of a dark ritual. Surrounded by occultists led by Pastor Manley, they witness a terrifying ritual where Nell is subjected to unspeakable horrors. As the tension reaches a fever pitch, Cotton’s faith sparks a desperate attempt to confront the evil surrounding them, risking everything in a climactic showdown as devastating truths unfold, and the fateful night plunges into chaos and terror.
Last Updated: October 31, 2024 at 14:49
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Last Exorcism in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Last Exorcism is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Last Exorcism with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like The Last Exorcism that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
The Last Exorcism (2010) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Last Exorcism (2010) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like The Last Exorcism – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Last Exorcism Part II (2013) Full Movie Breakdown
The Exorcist: Believer (2023) Story Summary & Characters
The Exorcist (1973) Story Summary & Characters
The Exorcism (2024) Full Movie Breakdown
The Exorcism of God (2022) Full Movie Breakdown
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Last House on the Left (1972) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Rite (2011) Story Summary & Characters
The Last House on the Left (2009) Detailed Story Recap
Exeter (2015) Full Summary & Key Details
Prey for the Devil (2022) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Devil Inside (2012) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Pope's Exorcist (2023) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Exorcist III (1990) Complete Plot Breakdown