Is Padre Manuel Acuna a Legit Faith Healer or a Liar? At the beginning of the rousing documentary “Exorcism: The Battle for Youth’s Minds,” we see him crouching next to a young girl in throes of a demonic convulsion. Moments later, we see him promoting his exorcism school on a gossip TV show. Journalist Andrew Gold is determined to follow the world-renowned Argentine priest to find out.
Acuna was controversial not only among popular skeptics, but also within the church itself. Many believe he exploited vulnerable teens who might be better served by mental health professionals. Gold is one of the skeptics, and his conversations with Acuna and his students are filled with healthy skepticism.
Most of the subjects presented to us are young and impressionable. A 17-year-old girl battles self-harm and bulimic episodes. Dissatisfied with her consultation with a psychiatrist, she hopes that the exorcism will provide her with a one-stop solution to help her get through it.
Interviews with members of the Acuna community and those he has served over the years reveal a man of considerable power whose actions stem from the purity of his faith and the goodness of his heart. But the details make the difference.
Doctors warn of dangers of wrong therapy. This has raised questions about the financial viability of Acuna’s operations and further cast doubt on its legality. How are donations and sales proceeds from the Spirit Gift Shop distributed if employees are not paid? The pastor also faces charges of inappropriate contact with members of his parish.
Acuna, initially eager to sell his unique brand of faith healing, welcomed Gold’s camera and allowed him to capture him attempting an exorcism ritual. Over time, however, as the inconsistencies and nagging issues started to fester, the pastor became coy. This tension between filmmaker and subject simmers in a heated exchange that culminates in the film ending on an incredibly tense note.
Directed by: David Hayes
