In the Grip of Evil

Is there any validity to the supernatural phenomenon of demonic possession? Or can such instances be explained through psychology and science? Charles Vanderpool's fascinating documentary-docudrama, In the Grip of Evil, successfully argues the definite possibility of demonic possession by recounting the alleged 1949 case of a 13-year-old boy that inspired William Peter Blatty's bestselling novel (and, later, blockbuster film adaptation) The Exorcist. Vanderpool aligns a range of interviews, from William Friedkin (director of The Exorcist) to supernatural "experts" to, most convincingly, one of the priests that actually took part in the exorcism. (Their views are countered only by one doubting psychologist, so the documentary is hardly objective.) Unfortunately, Vanderpool also felt the need to use cheesy re-creations of the events, thereby lessening the film's dramatic grip. Regardless of which side of the argument you eventually believe, In the Grip of Evil still leaves you feeling a bit creepy. The DVD is packed with supporting evidence of demonic possession, including the case-study diary of Father Halloran (one of the two priests who conducted the exorcism), newspaper accounts of the events, and interviews with the filmmakers. Those with a DVD-ROM drive can read all the newspaper articles and all the original letters, and print out several versions of the case study. --Dave McCoy