The Exorcist III , directed and written by William Peter Blatty, is a psychological horror film that serves as a direct sequel to the original The Exorcist. Unlike its predecessor, which focused on demonic possession, The Exorcist III delves into themes of faith, guilt, and the supernatural through a chilling murder mystery.​

Set 15 years after the exorcism of Father Damien Karras, the film follows Lt. William Kinderman (George C. Scott), a police detective investigating a series of gruesome murders that mirror the methods of the executed Gemini Killer (Brad Dourif). The twist: the killer appears to have returned, inhabiting the body of a hospitalized patient (Jason Miller) who bears an uncanny resemblance to Father Karras. As Kinderman delves deeper, he confronts unsettling truths about the nature of evil and the afterlife.

Blatty’s direction offers a cerebral horror experience, blending theological questions with suspenseful storytelling. The film is noted for its eerie atmosphere, memorable jump scares, and a standout monologue by Brad Dourif. Critics have praised it as a worthy successor to the original, with some even considering it superior in certain aspects .