I have never read My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix, but over the years, I've heard how great it is and how it is a horror favourite. The book was published around the same time as the hit series Stranger Things, and both have become known for their horror/comedy and coming-of-age stories with strong 1980s retro vibes. While I may not know how closely it resembles the novel, going into a comedy horror adaptation of My Best Friend's Exorcism, the poor screenplay, character development and overall execution give an impression that this movie does not achieve the charm of the original.
The movie takes place in the late 80s and opens with A-ha's synth-pop hit Take On Me. From here, we follow besties Abby Rivers (Elsie Fisher) and Gretchen Lang (Amiah Miller) who just started their sophomore year of high school in South Carolina. As Gretchen is moving away over the summer, the two decide to spend time together and go to a cabin one weekend with two other school friends. Soon, the girls stumble across a creepy-looking abandoned home and after entering, they experience something very dark and ominous inside. When a friend begins to act strangely and is not the same again after coming back from the cabin, Abby decides to investigate to find out the truth and save her friend before it's too late.
