Social media delighted at Netflix film on Kerry’s exorist
IN this day and age of technology, the opinions of those on social media can either create or destroy the future of a film; thankfully though for the Netflix documentary, Hostage to the Devil, a film made about Kerry’s exorcist priest Malachi Martin, the reaction of those on social media seems to be overwhelmingly positive.
The documentary, which aired on Netflix last Sunday night, January 15, follows the Ballylongford-born priest - who claimed to have participated in numerous exorcisms - right up to his death at the age of 78 in Manhattan in 1999.
The documentary is co-produced by Northern Ireland’s Causeway Pictures and Dublin’s Underground Films, and has been billed as the ‘ true story of America’s most notorious exorcist.’
The film has been the subject of critical acclaim on Twitter, with one user, Mark Millar, describing the film as a “great documentary, deeply unsettling and a must watch,” while another user stated that the film was “bizarre, ethereal and absolutely chilling.”
“The film “Hostage to the devil” is a powerful & moving introduction to personality and work of Father Malachi Martin,” reads another Tweet from user, Nick Donnelly.
Director, Marty Stalker, even took to social media himself to thank everybody for their support of the film, writing that “the film isn’t everybody’s cup of tea but it is nice to know some people are really understanding my vision & direction of ‘Hostage to the Devil’.”
The film, which took five years to make, features first-hand interviews, reconstructions and archival evidence, as well as Martin’s own words, and even official correspondence from the Jesuit Order, as the documentary makers inspect the divisive former priest.
“The film asks ‘was Malachi telling the truth, or was he a sociopath?’ says director Marty Stalker; “We did not really attempt to answer that question ourselvers. It’s up to the viewers to make up their own minds,” he finishes.