Religious themed horror films are usually the most difficult productions to pull off. When done right, the horror nation adopts these works as gospel, when done wrong, audiences lambast the films for promises broken. Writer/Director Justin P. Lang puts in a good effort with his sophomore film, “The Seventh Day.” With British actor Guy Pearce co-starring along with Latin sensation Vadhir Derbez, this possession piece had all the makings of an immortal classic.
Father Daniel (Derbez) arrives in New Orleans, fresh out of exorcism training, and ready to tackle the vastly growing number of reported possessions sweeping across the nation. Daniel is paired up with the experienced and disheveled Father Peter (Pearce) by the archbishop, in hopes that the thirty-year slayer of demons can quickly transform the reserve Daniel into a general for god. After a failed initiation, the doomed duo start on a mission to unravel the supernatural mystery of a boy who has slaughtered his parents, allegedly driven to the deed by a servant of the devil. Daniel and Peter quickly determine the boy is under the influence of evil and set forth to set him free of the physical and spiritual chains that bind him. Both mystified and horrified at the events that take place, in the end, Father Daniel shows why he was the brightest star to come out of catechism class as he pieces together the true mystery of evil’s sinister plans.
“The Seventh Day” had all the ingredients for making a perfect production pie, but several stale scenes, put this film in the one slice and done category. Both Derbez and Pearce deliver top shelf professional performances, as well as horror icon Keith David putting in a stellar quick shift at the beginning of the film. Young actor Brady Jenness is fantastic as the troubled young man, playing the role with the strength of a veteran performer. Director Lang shoots a perfect piece, casting both absence and explosion of light at precisely the right time scene after scene. While the performances, visual style, and original plot were above average, the film falls like a cross off of a wall in a possessed house in terms of pacing and story development. “The Seventh Day” never goes deep enough into the several different storylines to be considered a slow burn, while the pacing of the film is just that. Too many lulls between action, and too much action over dialogue will have proper critics heads spinning like a possessed little girl. Once more, the three revolving storylines never allow the audience to get too deeply connected to either priest or the suffering young man, which is central to building emotional repour with any work of film.
Horror fans cared about sweet Regan and Nell in both, “The Exorcist” and “The Last Exorcism” respectively. Due to lack of content, no one will evoke any emotional response to any of the leads in this film after the end credit’s role. The real pity of “The Seventh Day” is the ending scenario, which after decades of church horror works, throws both a fun and very original plot line out to the viewer. While this film could have spawned a future franchise, the lack of written depth will make this work quickly enjoyed and quickly forgotten. “The Seventh Day” is much like a reverse communion, sweet wine first, followed by a stale wafer.
Scream Score: 7.1/10