Content & Trigger Warnings for The Exorcist (1971)
11 content warnings identified for this book.
Quick Summary
Yes, The Exorcist (1971) contains 11 content warnings : Religious persecution, Death of a parent, Body horror, Needles / medical procedures, Vomit / emesis (emetophobia), Explicit sexual content / nudity, Drug use (depicted), Child abuse / harm to children, Gore / graphic violence, Self-harm / suicide (depicted), Sexual assault / rape.
The most severe warnings are for Body horror (severity 5/5), Vomit / emesis (emetophobia) (severity 5/5), Explicit sexual content / nudity (severity 4/5), Child abuse / harm to children (severity 4/5), Gore / graphic violence (severity 5/5), Self-harm / suicide (depicted) (severity 4/5), Sexual assault / rape (severity 4/5).
Check the full breakdown below before you read.
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| Warning | Severity | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity & Discrimination | |||
| Religious persecution | 1/5 | Referenced | The demonic entity mocks and attacks religious faith, though this is more spiritual warfare than persecution of a religious group |
| Mental Health & Emotional | |||
| Death of a parent | 3/5 | Depicted | Priest's mother's death impacts the story |
| Phobias & Sensory | |||
| Body horror | 5/5 | Depicted | Disturbing physical contortions and self-mutilation |
| Needles / medical procedures | 3/5 | Depicted | Medical procedures and examinations depicted |
| Vomit / emesis (emetophobia) | 5/5 | Depicted | Graphic and prolonged scenes of projectile vomiting are a signature element of the possession depicted in the novel |
| Sexual Content | |||
| Explicit sexual content / nudity | 4/5 | Depicted | Graphic sexual content involving crucifix |
| Substance Use | |||
| Drug use (depicted) | 2/5 | Depicted | Medication and drug references |
| Violence & Physical Harm | |||
| Child abuse / harm to children | 4/5 | Depicted | A child endures horrific possession |
| Gore / graphic violence | 5/5 | Depicted | Extremely graphic depictions of bodily violence |
| Self-harm / suicide (depicted) | 4/5 | Depicted | Self-inflicted wounds during possession |
| Sexual assault / rape | 4/5 | Depicted | Sexual assault depicted involving possessed victim |
Identity & Discrimination
The demonic entity mocks and attacks religious faith, though this is more spiritual warfare than persecution of a religious group
Mental Health & Emotional
Phobias & Sensory
Graphic and prolonged scenes of projectile vomiting are a signature element of the possession depicted in the novel
