Three (2024) by Nayla Al Khaja

Director: Nayla Al Khaja

Year: 2024

Country: United Arab Emirates

Alternate Titles: N/A

Genre: Exorcism

Plot:

After a series of bizarre incidents, a mother becomes concerned for her son as he soon starts to display a bizarre series of outbursts and behavioral ticks which they learn stems from his possession by three Djinn and decide to undergo an exorcism to save his soul and get him back to normal.

Review:

Overall, this one doesn't come off as original but is certainly enjoyable enough. Among its positive points is the solid setup offering just enough twists on the usual formula to be a worthwhile entry point into the film. Featuring the tell-tale build-up points where the signs of possession become immensely clear, this part is quite familiar overall but still manages to come across as a decent way to build the suspense of the situation, especially when compared to the concurrent work on the rest of the family during this point. As we get to see the mother care for and try to comfort her son with the increasing series of outbursts and disturbing ticks that hint at something going on but yet nothing medically viable is shown to be responsible.

This diagnosis goes against her and her sister's beliefs which show themselves to be strongly rooted in Islamic folklore involving the series of trials and diagnosis that goes into the whole scenario. Trying to understand what's going on with him and how that might explain his problems as well as figuring out a means of improving his condition, the evolution of the doctor's acceptance and recognition that perhaps his Western way of dealing with the situation might end up being the thing that helps him which eventually leads into the help from the local parties and the realization of his possession gives this a fine touch by including these familiar beats with local flavorings.

Since the film does go through such familiar beats to help build the case for his possession, these scenes provide quite a lot to like about it. From unnatural freak-outs at school involving violence against teachers or peers, bizarre hallucinations, or generally creepy interactions with those around him, these early scenes painting the picture of his condition signal the start of the creepy antics to eventually reach the point of the exorcism being necessary to rid him of the multitude of demons afflicting him finally. As the local customs are somewhat different and unusual from the more traditional forms of exorcism usually seen in these kinds of films where it's based on Western culture, what goes here in these scenes offers a different point of view towards a common-enough occurrence for genre fans to follow along. Featuring enough spectacle with the attempts at preventing the exorcism and some fine effects work to pull off what's going on, this comes off with the requisite thrills and is entertaining to see play out. These provide quite a lot to enjoy for the most part.

There isn't much to dislike here but there are some slight issues here. The main factor to be had, which is most certainly a personal preference piece, comes from the use of so many familiar genre aspects due to the type of genre concept at play here. There are way too many instances of this going for the use of clichéd instances of possession or exorcism films that set everything in motion down the path of traditional exorcism motives as there are some overused aspects on display, mainly the speaking in tongues, the jarring behavioral changes, or eye-flashes to denote something is inside him. It’s all part and parcel to the type of genre featured here where it has to go through this sort of build-up making everything that happens come off as familiar even though the particulars here playing into Islamic heritage and lore are the only parts that are changed. The other slight drawback comes in the need to go for the overlong finale where a natural final point was reached and it then continues trying to create a wholly overdone it’s-not-over-yet sting to bring the thrills back. These factors are what hold the film down.

Overview: ***.5/5

Not doing anything new in the exorcism genre but remaining a fun time regardless, this is a great time as long as you're willing to put aside originality in your genre fare as an important factor. Those who appreciate the style on display and can look past the flaws or are curious about it due to the country of origin will have a lot to like here while others who are turned off by these drawbacks should heed caution.

This review was originally published on Asian Movie Pulse and is gratefully reprinted with their cooperation.