In the Grip of Evil (1997 TV Movie) User Reviews

Interesting documentary of why The Exorcist was filmed

[big-azz · 6/10 · 5 August 2000]

Shows a reconstruction of the alleged demonic possession of a 13 year old boy from Washington, DC which inspired William Peter Blattey's novel "The Exorcist" and consequent film by William Friedkin.

Documentary includes interviews with witnesses of the event and a psychologist who tries to explain the science of how the possession could have taken place.

In the Grip of Evil (1997)

[SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain · 6/10 · 13 December 2011]

Short and interesting. This looks at the true story behind The Exorcist. It looks at most of the issues evenhandedly. A number of people from catholics, scientists etc. give their opinions. It looks at the psychology of a child, but never in detail. It certainly tries to sway you toward believing the supernatural, with the ominous voice over and creepy music. But had it been totally neutral, then it wouldn't have been as entertaining. I was kind of disappointed in the recreations. Even slightly cheesy ones can be creepy, and I love documentaries like this, as they can always scare you a bit. This failed to create any fear though.

This history is bullshit

[shoikan · 1/10 · 6 November 2005]

The history behind the Exorcist is bogus, the boy never lived in Mount Rainier, he lived in Cottage City. He wasn't possessed, it's all an urban legend that got out of control after the release of the movie.

This video does not present any testimonies of people who were neighbours or friends of the family, nor interview the boy himself. What kind of investigation is is that?

Most of it is based in declarations of father Bober who is a proved *liar*

All this history have been investigated by a real journalist who really unveils where the boy lived, where he attended school, who have talked with the people who knew him at the time of this case, and who talked with the boy himself.

If you want to know the *real* facts behind the Exorcist history check http://www.strangemag.com/exorcistpage1.html

Regards

Disturbing

[WinterSorrow35 · 10/10 · 12 August 2006]

I recently saw "In the Grip of Evil", because I had wanted to study the formerly possessed boy's story from an up and coming psychological perspective. I had read quite a few books on 'Robbie Doe's' biography documenting the possession and the exorcism because I had wondered if there were any external circumstances that transpired in his home environment that psychologically triggered evil to be captivated by him.

I do have to say, I contemplated several theories (i'm a forensic psychology major): multiple personality (form of dissociative disorder) or childhood schizophrenia. But I do believe evil was involved here because of the unexplained phenomena the boy was able to illicit without being able to touch anything.

The actor portraying Robbie Doe did an excellent performance because he terrified the hell out of me.

This is a documentary not to be missed because they allow you to theorize your own ideas about what really happened to Robbie and his family.