An American seminary student travels to Italy to take an exorcism class. The Rite stars:
Anthony Hopkins as Father Lucas Trevant
Colin O’Donoghue as Michael Kovak
Alice Braga as Angeline
Ciaran Hinds as Father Xavier
Toby Jones as Father Matthew
Rutger Hauer as Istvan Kovak
The Rite follows seminary student Michael Kovak, who is sent to study exorcism at the Vatican in spite of his own doubts and faith. Wearing his deep skepticism like armor, Michael challenges his superiors to look to pychiatry, rather than demons in treating the possessed. It’s only when he’s sent to apprentice with the unorthodox Father Lucas, a legendary priest who’s performed numerous exorcisms, does his armor begin to crack as he’s drawn to an evil so violent and terrifying that it forces him to question everything he believes.
I remember when this movie hit the theaters not that long ago. I wasn’t impressed with it much. Because it was horror, I knew that I would get around to watching it eventually. What a shame I didn’t watch it before now.
While the movie starts a bit slow, it becomes very entertaining and engaging when Anthony Hopkins makes his appearance. He certainly knows how to eat the screen.
Sir Anthony Hopkins gives a riveting performance as an old seasoned priest that probably has seen too much for his time as a servant of God. But when the tide turns and it is he who is in need of help (and a little exorcism), I can see old Hannibal Lecter lurking in those steeley blue eyes.
I’ve spend many months hoping, begging and almost pleading for Hollywood to give us something scary. While I don’t know is scary is an appropriate word, here, The Rite certainly triggered my creep o’ meter. That hasn’t happened it quiete some time.
The Rite is probably one of the best movies out there that deals with exorcisms. It’s certainly heads above The Last Exorcism.
