Netflix is dropping two titles on July 28: “The Exorcism,” a 2024 horror film starring Russell Crowe, and “Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain,” a new stand-up comedy special.

“The Exorcism” follows a troubled, aging actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film. The story blurs the line between the film-within-the-film and reality. Critics have noted the meta premise plays with audience expectations of the genre.

The Russell Crowe Factor

Crowe’s casting adds legitimacy to “The Exorcism.” The actor carries the film through a descent into paranoia and supernatural horror. His performance anchors the story’s tension and makes the character’s unraveling believable.

The film works best if you engage with its premise: that the actor’s real-life troubles mirror the horror script he’s performing. The meta-commentary on acting, mental health, and the supernatural creates thematic depth.

Mary Beth Barone’s Stand-up Debut

“Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain” marks Barone’s first full stand-up special on Netflix. Barone is known for appearances on podcasts and streaming platforms; this special represents her first major comedy release on a major platform.

The special covers contemporary topics and personal observations. Barone’s comedic voice is conversational and unpolished, appealing to audiences who prefer authenticity over polish.

What to Expect

Horror enthusiasts will appreciate “The Exorcism” if they enjoy psychological horror over jump scares. Comedy fans should sample “Galaxy Brain” to see if Barone’s voice resonates.

Both titles give Netflix subscribers fresh content in a week when the platform is wrapping its July slate and preparing for August releases.

Netflix’s strategy is to release a mix of formats and genres to appeal to different subscriber segments. Horror and comedy are both audience-tested content types that drive engagement.