Movie: The Rite
Year: 2011
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director: Mikael Håfström
Stars: Colin O’Donoghue, Anthony Hopkins and Ciarán Hinds

Snapshot of Story:
An American seminary student arrives in Italy to attend a course in exorcism, something which he has many doubts and events ensue that leads him to question his very own faith.

Storyline:
Michael Kovak played by Colin O’Donoghue is a student of religious studies but has strong doubts about his faith in Christianity. His instructor at college insists that he goes to Italy on an exorcism course which he hoped will open his eyes more.

Once Michael arrives in Italy he is given an assignment to work with Father Lucas played by Anthony Hopkins who performs regular exorcism on the locals. When Michael witnesses his first exorcism that Father Lucas performs on the girl, he begins to doubt whether the condition is not just a simple medical one. He persists in believing that Father Lucas is cleverly manipulating the situation to make it appear that the person is possessed.

It is not until later after witnessing a few more exorcisms that Michael begins to believe this in himself, in particular the unexplained phenomenon of certain events happening during the exorcism procedure. He confides with another class mate on this matter and is drawn more and more into the mysterious set of events occurring all around him.
Father Lucas eventually becomes possessed by himself and now Michael is at the point where his faith and the belief in the devil become more paramount to his cause. Towards the end we see Michael and Father Lucas battle it out with the devil and both ultimately triumphs.

Final Thoughts:
The movie starts well with the story unfolding to reveal the truth in the possession but then loses its focus and leaves the audience confused. Although acting by both Anthony Hopkins and Colin O’Donoghue was on par, the confusing plot and the events towards the end were a bit of a let-down. Although dark and sinister in its portrayal of the horror genre, it had more potential than what was produced by the director.

Rating:
6/10