Needy Lesnicky is a term used to describe a person who is excessively needy. In Jennifer’s Body, when Jennifer’s best friend turns into a bloodthirsty succubus, Needy Lesnicky takes on a whole new meaning. ..
In Karen Kusama’s cult horror classic, “My Best Friend’s Exorcism,” the protagonist’s best friend is possessed by a demon and it’s public humiliation and boyfriend-stealing are the main themes. In Damon Thomas’ comedy horror adaptation of Grady Hendrix’s novel, “My Best Friend’s Exorcism,” the focus is more on the “high school evil.”
In Thomas’ film, Abby navigates the challenges of being a teenager, from acne to inappropriate crushes and strict Catholic school teachers. Gretchen’s possession doesn’t upend this normal teen life; it shines a glaring spotlight on it. The change in Gretchen manifests in more than just nightmares and pallid skin. Abby’s best friend becomes the classic “mean girl bitch” almost overnight–and thus the perfect character to highlight the everyday horrors of 80s high school life, diet shakes and all.
The film is a fun, if not clever, subversion of the teen horror genre. It replaces religious tropes with the power of friendship. However, I would not call it spooky or clever for that matter.
The most entertaining part of My Best Friend’s Exorcism is the 80s Christian exercising (and exorcizing) guru, but the sweatband-wearing “Jesus freak” exists primarily as an object of ridicule. Abby, who knows nothing about exorcisms (“I’m Jewish,” she exasperatedly proclaims to Christian when he wants to know whether she’s baptized), does know about her love for Gretchen.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism is a film about a girl who has to exorcise her best friend. It is also about teenage struggles and insecurities. The film takes a path to promoting female friendship over all the high school horrors that might get in one’s way. This message is sweet, though it is beaten over one’s head throughout the movie. ..
The film is not funny, scary, or campy enough to be a strong comedy.
In My Best Friend’s Exorcism, the protagonist, Lesnicky, is a teenage girl who has to go through an exorcism because she’s been possessed by a demon. The exorcism is sweet and subversive, but it’s not really what the film is about. The film is about Lesnicky’s relationship with her best friend, Jennifer.
My best friend’s exorcism ended in a tragedy.
