It's sad. Not only does this movie have an amazing, 5 star first act, it also has a truly revelatory performance. It begins by blatantly mocking exorcism cliches, which gleefully assuaged my fears that this would merely be a retread of said cliches. Rev. Cotton Marcus is established as a captivating character, all the more so because he seems completely unaware of what an ass he is. He doesn't really believe, you see, and isn't sure he ever did. It's all a show to him. So we've got an intriguing main character and fabulous first act...and then...well, nothing. It just all falls apart. No scares, no mood, tinkly supposed-to-be-eerie music that completely belies the idea that this is either documentary or found footage, and an ending that, well, let's just say I think I understand now how all those people that didn't like The Blair Witch Project felt at the end. I usually love these hand-held style movies, but this one just didn't work.
What saved it from utter loathing and elevated it to mere disdain was Ashley Bell. Her performance as Nell is astounding. She shifts effortlessly between wide-eyed innocence and seething rage. The magic really happens in her eyes. Note her simple joy when a gift is made of a favored pair of boots, or the shy enthusiasm with which she plays a song on her recorder. Then note the way she looks at the camera when she's discovered atop a wardrobe, or the sheer mania when the demon that may or may not be within her confronts Rev. Marcus. The camera lingers on her eyes in this moment, so you'll see what I mean. It is truly a wondrous performance, and truly unfair to her that the movie around it is such a steaming mess.
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