Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
Alice is a young hearing-impaired girl who, after a supposed visitation from the Virgin Mary, is inexplicably able to hear, speak and heal the sick. As word spreads and people from near and far flock to witness her miracles, a disgraced journalist hoping to revive his career visits the small New England town to investigate. When terrifying events begin to happen all around, he starts to question if these phenomena are the works of the Virgin Mary or something much more sinister.
The Unholy is a competent but largely formulaic religious horror entry. The premise — miraculous healings masking demonic deception — is well-trodden ground, blending elements of The Exorcist and similar faith-based horror without adding much new. The plot follows predictable beats: skeptic investigates, gets drawn in, uncovers the sinister truth, attempts a climactic confrontation. Acting is serviceable but unremarkable; Jeffrey Dean Morgan coasts on charm without much depth, and the supporting cast is functional at best. Cinematography has some atmosphere in its New England gothic setting and church imagery, earning a slight edge. Novelty is low — the witch-posing-as-divine-figure concept is not executed with enough distinctiveness to stand apart. The ending resolves things in a by-the-numbers fashion without meaningful surprise or emotional resonance, leaving little lasting impression.