In 1973, following a long and possibly cursed production, The Exorcist was unleashed upon unsuspecting audiences around the world. In spite of (or perhaps helped by) reports of people fainting or vomiting in cinemas, it went on to become one of the decade’s biggest successes. Directed by the late William Friedkin, it was also the first horror film ever to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, the film’s influential legacy lives on – with a new sequel, The Exorcist: Believer, screening on November 19.

After moving to Washington with her actress mother (Ellen Burstyn), 12-year-old Regan (Linda Blair) begins exhibiting erratic and disturbing behaviour. Doctors can’t find anything wrong with her, but when people begin to die, it becomes clear that Regan has been possessed by the devil. Her only hope now lies with two priests and the ancient rite of demonic exorcism.

Note: this screening is of the original theatrical version of the film, which has been fully restored and returns to the big screen for the first time in 20 years.