Plot Summary

The story centers around Laura (María Romanillos), a 17-year-old girl living with her family in a small Spanish town. Laura, like many teenagers, is grappling with typical adolescent challenges—self-discovery, family conflicts, and fitting in. However, her life takes a sinister turn after attending a séance at a friend's house. What initially seemed like a harmless teenage prank leads to strange and disturbing occurrences in Laura’s life.

As Laura starts to exhibit increasingly bizarre behavior—violent outbursts, supernatural abilities, and self-harm—her parents, overwhelmed with fear, seek help from both medical professionals and the Church. The Church sends Father Olmedo (José Sacristán), an experienced exorcist, to evaluate Laura and perform a series of exorcisms to rid her of the demonic presence. But as the battle between good and evil intensifies, it becomes clear that Laura’s case is far more dangerous and complex than anyone anticipated.

Characters & Performances

  • María Romanillos as Laura: Romanillos gives a standout performance as Laura, effectively conveying the psychological trauma and physical torment that come with possession. Her transformation from a typical teenager into a vessel for demonic forces is both unsettling and compelling. Romanillos nails the physicality of possession, with her contorted movements and eerie expressions, making Laura's descent into possession feel disturbingly real.

  • José Sacristán as Father Olmedo: Sacristán brings gravitas and intensity to the role of the exorcist. His portrayal of Father Olmedo is one of quiet determination, a man who has witnessed the horrors of demonic possession before and understands the stakes. Sacristán’s seasoned performance adds depth to the spiritual battle at the film’s core, especially as he wrestles with doubts and fears about his own faith.

  • Ruth Díaz as Laura’s Mother: Ruth Díaz gives a powerful and emotionally raw performance as Laura’s mother, Carmen. As the central parental figure, she conveys the desperation of a mother who would do anything to save her daughter. Carmen's emotional journey is one of the most gripping elements of the film, as she struggles to understand the terrifying situation and reconcile her faith with the unimaginable.

  • Urko Olazabal as Laura’s Father: Olazabal plays a more reserved role as Laura's skeptical father, Antonio. His character represents the rational, scientific approach to Laura's condition, creating tension between him and his wife, who quickly turns to religion for answers. His skepticism adds an interesting dynamic to the film’s exploration of faith versus science.

Themes & Analysis

13 Exorcisms draws from many of the classic themes we’ve come to expect from exorcism films, but it also attempts to bring a deeper emotional and psychological layer to the story. Themes of faith, family, guilt, and spiritual warfare permeate the film, but they’re presented in a uniquely Spanish context that adds cultural richness to the narrative.

  1. Faith vs. Science: One of the central conflicts in the film is the divide between faith and scientific reasoning. Laura’s father represents the skeptical, modern viewpoint, relying on doctors and psychiatrists, while her mother embraces religion and believes her daughter is truly possessed. The tension between these two perspectives heightens the drama, forcing the characters—and the audience—to confront the question of whether Laura’s condition is psychological or supernatural.

  2. The Impact of Possession on Family: At its core, the film is not just about demonic possession but about how such an ordeal tears apart a family. Laura’s possession strains her parents' relationship, tests their faith, and brings their own inner demons to the surface. The film does a good job of showing the psychological toll this takes on everyone involved, not just Laura herself.

  3. Spiritual Warfare and the Power of Faith: As in most exorcism films, 13 Exorcisms delves into the power of faith, portraying the Catholic Church’s role in combating evil. Father Olmedo's exorcisms are intense, and the film doesn’t shy away from depicting the ritualistic and spiritual battle between good and evil. The exorcism scenes are a mix of visceral terror and religious symbolism, reinforcing the idea that faith is both a shield and a weapon against the supernatural.

  4. Guilt and Sin: Another key theme that runs through the movie is the connection between guilt and possession. Laura’s possession seems to feed off her guilt and her family’s hidden secrets, which adds a psychological dimension to the horror. The film implies that Laura’s condition is not merely about demonic forces but also about unresolved emotional trauma and buried sins.

Direction & Cinematography

Jacobo Martínez, though relatively new to directing feature films, demonstrates a strong understanding of how to build suspense and maintain tension. The pacing of the movie is