
The Last Exorcism
2010

2019
Director
Pollyanna McIntosh
Runtime
101 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
Found at a Catholic hospital filthy and ferocious, feral teenager Darlin’ is whisked off to a care home run by The Bishop and his obedient nuns, where she’s to be rehabilitated into a "good girl" as an example of the miraculous work of the church. But Darlin’ holds a secret darker than the "sins" she is threatened with, and she is not traveling alone. The Woman who raised her, equally fierce and feral, is ever present in the shadows of Darlin’s psyche and is determined to come for her no matter who tries to get in her way.
Overall Score
Fair
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The film lacks LGBTQ+ characters or non-heteronormative identities. The narrative focuses entirely on survivalist dynamics, leaving no space for queer-coded subtext or identity-driven arcs.
Gender Representation
Darlin’ disrupts traditional hierarchies as a fierce, autonomous survivor rather than a damsel in distress. The presence of 'The Woman' also introduces a complex, non-traditional feminine power dynamic.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
The post-apocalyptic setting and small cast result in a lack of visible ethnic or racial diversity. The focus on a homogeneous group prevents any significant intersectional racial depth.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
The film critiques Western institutions by portraying organized religion as a tool of systemic oppression. It deconstructs traditional concepts of sin and goodness through a lens of primal survival.
Disability Representation
Darlin’ exhibits a form of feralism that suggests neurodivergent traits. However, this is treated more as a survival mechanism than a nuanced exploration of disability.
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
AI Analysis
Darlin’ finds its strength in subverting gendered expectations and challenging the morality of established religious authority. By positioning a feral protagonist against a restrictive Catholic institution, the film deconstructs traditional social structures. However, the film's scope is narrow. The isolated, post-apocalyptic setting limits the presence of diverse racial and LGBTQ+ identities, resulting in a homogeneous cast that lacks intersectional depth. Ultimately, the film is a genre-driven piece that prioritizes primal survivalism over broad social representation, finding its progressive edge through character agency and institutional critique.

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