Exorcist II: The Heretic
Bizarre nightmares plague Regan MacNeil four years after her possession and exorcism. Has the demon returned? And if so, can the combined faith and knowledge of a Vatican investigator and a research specialist free her from its grasp?
Despite its tight budget of $14.0M, Exorcist II: The Heretic became a financial success, earning $30.7M worldwide—a 120% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) exemplifies strategically placed dramatic framework, characteristic of John Boorman's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 58 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Regan MacNeil, now a teenager under psychiatric care, lives in fear of her past possession, undergoing experimental hypnotherapy with Dr. Gene Tuskin to unlock repressed memories.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Father Lamont uses Dr. Tuskin's synchronizer device to enter Regan's hypnotic state and experiences a terrifying vision of the original exorcism, witnessing Pazuzu's malevolent presence still connected to Regan.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 59 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat During a synchronized session, Regan's Pazuzu personality fully emerges and attacks Dr. Tuskin. Lamont realizes the demon never left Regan—it has been growing stronger, and his investigation has awakened it. The stakes escalate from investigation to immediate survival., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 89 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Possessed Regan lures Lamont to the old Georgetown house where Father Merrin died. Lamont, nearly seduced by the demon's promises of power and knowledge, faces complete spiritual destruction. The memory of Merrin's death and failure overwhelms him., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 95 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Lamont helps Regan confront Pazuzu directly. Through their combined faith and Regan's acceptance of her experience, they battle the demon in a climactic exorcism. Regan must integrate her past rather than suppress it, using her ordeal as a source of strength., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Exorcist II: The Heretic's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Exorcist II: The Heretic against these established plot points, we can identify how John Boorman utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Exorcist II: The Heretic within the horror genre.
John Boorman's Structural Approach
Among the 5 John Boorman films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Exorcist II: The Heretic takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete John Boorman filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye. For more John Boorman analyses, see The Tailor of Panama, Deliverance and The Emerald Forest.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Regan MacNeil, now a teenager under psychiatric care, lives in fear of her past possession, undergoing experimental hypnotherapy with Dr. Gene Tuskin to unlock repressed memories.
Theme
Dr. Tuskin tells Regan that confronting her fears and memories is the only path to healing: "If we don't remember, we're doomed to repeat." The film explores whether facing evil directly leads to transcendence or destruction.
Worldbuilding
We learn Regan suffers nightmares and potential psychic episodes. Father Lamont is assigned by the Cardinal to investigate Father Merrin's death during Regan's exorcism. The Church fears Merrin may have dabbled in heresy through his battles with the demon Pazuzu.
Disruption
Father Lamont uses Dr. Tuskin's synchronizer device to enter Regan's hypnotic state and experiences a terrifying vision of the original exorcism, witnessing Pazuzu's malevolent presence still connected to Regan.
Resistance
Lamont becomes obsessed with understanding Pazuzu and Merrin's past. He researches Merrin's earlier exorcism of a boy named Kokumo in Africa. Despite warnings from his superiors and Dr. Tuskin's concerns, Lamont debates whether to pursue this dangerous investigation.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Lamont explores the metaphysical battle between good and evil, learning about locusts as Pazuzu's manifestation and experiencing visions of Merrin's past. Meanwhile, Regan exhibits increasing psychic abilities and dangerous connections to the demon, creating a race against time.
Midpoint
During a synchronized session, Regan's Pazuzu personality fully emerges and attacks Dr. Tuskin. Lamont realizes the demon never left Regan—it has been growing stronger, and his investigation has awakened it. The stakes escalate from investigation to immediate survival.
Opposition
Pazuzu's hold on Regan intensifies. The demon seduces Lamont, attempting to corrupt him as it once tried with Merrin. Regan, possessed, tries to return to the Georgetown house where the original exorcism occurred. All attempts to help Regan seem to strengthen the demon instead.
Collapse
Possessed Regan lures Lamont to the old Georgetown house where Father Merrin died. Lamont, nearly seduced by the demon's promises of power and knowledge, faces complete spiritual destruction. The memory of Merrin's death and failure overwhelms him.
Crisis
In the dark night of doubt, Lamont must choose between the demon's offer of transcendent knowledge or faith in Merrin's sacrifice. The house becomes a battleground of memory and temptation as Pazuzu tries to claim another priest.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Lamont helps Regan confront Pazuzu directly. Through their combined faith and Regan's acceptance of her experience, they battle the demon in a climactic exorcism. Regan must integrate her past rather than suppress it, using her ordeal as a source of strength.