The Rite (2011)

Review by David Rupp



An American seminary student travels to Italy to take an exorcism course, struggling with doubt. He tries to use pshycology to explain away happenings surrounding but faced with an experienced exorcist who becomes overtaken by evil, he is brought face to face with the devil as well as finding his elusive faith.

Written by Michael Petroni
Directed by Mikael Håfström
Starring: Colin O'Donoghue, Anthony Hopkins and Ciarán Hinds
Ok, you have a big time production, so you know all of the tech specs will be accounted for, so we'll stick to the story points, acting and visual candy. I absoloutly loved this movie, then again I have an affinity towards the religious horror and ghost films.
Visually, The Rite has an ethereal almost creepy atmosphere. Granted it starts somewhat slowly but that's the build up. Colin O'Donoghues character Michael comes from a family of morticians but decides to go into seminary where he discovers his questioning of faith. The seminary decides to send him to Rome to an exorcism class, where he discovers there is more to this world than meets the eye.
Anthony Hopkins truly fills his role, and as he tends to a possessed girl falls into a demons trap. From here the demon runs rampant and the scenes play out extremely creepy, foresight, visions, manifestations and an ultimate showdown where Mr. Hopkins does some of the most disturbing acting I have seen in a while.
This is a must see, a must own and a must share.
10/10