DREAD’s “For Sale By Exorcist” arrives this week on VOD. The film, directed by Melissa LaMartina, is a mockumentary about Susan Price (Emily Classen), a real estate agent and medium who specializes in turning nightmare homes into dream homes.
A horror comedy, “Fore Sale By Exorcist” doesn’t feel like a typical DREAD release, especially with how light the film is on horror compared to the comedy. There’s a supernatural thread throughout the movie, but the presence of ghosts or demons in the film is mostly minor except for a few key scenes. In fact, if you’re not paying close attention, you might even miss them.
Though the mockumentary is supposed to be about Susan and her unique means of selling real estate by ridding otherwise unsellable homes of the ghosts or demons that haunt them, the story ultimately turns a corner when Susan realizes she needs to find a home of her own. Spending most of her life moving about the country with her meemaw, Susan now lives out of hotel rooms in whatever city she’s working in, and recognizes it might be time to put down some roots. But when she finally finds a home of her dreams, Susan’s past returns to haunt her. Literally…
Classen’s performance as Susan helps the writing of film co-writers Chris LaMartina (“WNUF Halloween Special”) and Rob Walker shine in the film. Her strong performance of the southern belle persona and delivery of the witty dialogue that is filled with southern idioms (including “nuttier than a squirrel poop”) feels authentic, where it could have easily come off as campy.
In fact, the filmmakers and cast have done a great job overall in making “For Sale By Exorcist” not feel too over the top or campy, despite the subject matter. The performances are entertaining, and the writing and acting net some well-earned laughs throughout the film, especially when Susan enlists the aid of Father Doyle (John Dimes) to help rid a couple’s home of a succubus.
Overall “For Sale By Exorcist” is a charming horror comedy that delivers precisely what you would expect from a mockumentary about a real estate agent who’s made a career selling houses by ridding them of the supernatural. If you don’t mind a horror comedy that is light on the horror, but heavy on parody, supernatural themes, and idioms, this is likely a film you’ll enjoy.
“For Sale By Exorcist” will be available for rent or purchase on video-on-demand beginning March 11.
