Ellen Burstyn’s "Patriarchy" Comment In Exorcist: Believer Criticized By Religion Expert

One element involving Ellen Burstyn’s The Exorcist: Believer return has been criticized by a religious studies expert. Burstyn starred in the original 1973 classic The Exorcist as Chris MacNeil, who approaches Father Karras (Jason Miller) for an exorcism when her daughter Regan (Linda Blair) shows signs of demonic possession. Karras brings in the expert Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) and the pair both perform the exorcism, sacrificing their lives in the process. The new movie features MacNeil being asked why she didn’t participate in the exorcism and saying, “My opinion? Because I’m not a member of their damn patriarchy.”