Incarnate (2016)

In *Incarnate* (2016), an unconventional exorcist named Dr. Seth Ember (Aaron Eckhart) faces a formidable challenge when he is tasked with saving a nine-year-old boy possessed by a demonic entity. Unlike traditional methods, Ember utilizes a unique ability to enter the subconscious minds of the afflicted, navigating their inner landscapes to pull them back from the demon's grasp. This particular case, however, becomes deeply personal when he discovers the malevolent force inhabiting the child is an evil from his own past, one that left him irrevocably scarred, forcing him to confront his deepest fears and a tragic history while battling for the boy's soul. Blending psychological horror with supernatural thrills, the film offers a fresh and intense take on the exorcism subgenre. While perhaps not as bombastic as his disaster epics or action-adventure films, *Incarnate* rightfully earns its place among Brad Peyton's best, showcasing his impressive versatility as a director. Peyton excels at crafting high-stakes scenarios and delivering them with a clear, compelling narrative, a skill perfectly adapted here from physical peril to psychological warfare. The intricate concept of mind-entering, the race against time, and the compelling character arc of a troubled protagonist forced to confront past trauma all align with Peyton's directorial strengths – his ability to anchor fantastical or high-concept premises with strong emotional cores and a focus on compelling central "hooks." *Incarnate* demonstrates Peyton's adeptness at generating suspense and tension even within a smaller-scale, darker genre, proving his capacity to engage audiences across diverse cinematic landscapes.