The Rite (PG-13)

Ever since “The Exorcist,” – and even the barrage of “Paranormal Activity” movies, people have been enamored with devils and demons. Enter Mikael Håfström’s “The Rite,” a look at a skeptical priest and the horrors that await as he begins his study of demonology and exorcism. 

Skepticism has it’s place in horror, especially in a protagonist. We’ve seen this in the excellent horror novellas by author H.P. Lovecraft, for one. In this movie, the skeptic is Michael Kovack (Colin O’Donoghue), a seminary student slated to study exorcism, who doesn’t even really believe in the existence of the devil. He’s sent to Rome, where he meets a professor (“Rome’s” Ciarán Hinds), who tutors him until he ultimately meets Father Lucas Trevant, played with sublime skill by Anthony Hopkins. It is through Trevent that he comes face to face with the Devil.

What works about “The Rite” is the atmosphere and backstory given to Kovack. An early start as a mortician shows his indifferent attitude to all things macabre. He’s even treated as an outside by most of his classmates and instructors. It’s probably because of his outsider status that one of his instructors realizes he doesn’t fit in. But instead of ostracizing him, reminds him of the enormous debt he has pledged by entering seminary school – and bades him to study exorcism in Rome.

We also see that the acting in this movie is fairly good, with Kovack and Hopkins playing off each other naturally and in an almost fencing rapport. This girl is possessed by the Devil, Hopkins surmises. But it could just be mental illness, Michael retorts. This is how most of their interactions play out. Trevant is sure  something foul must be afoot, but Michael slow to believe. But it isn’t long until certain events, such as a possessed girl (Marta Gastini), cause him to shed his layer of doubt and come to the Father’s line of thinking.

I’ve never seen O’Donoghue in a film before, but he does a capable job here, seeming to usher in an everyman-type persona like actors like Jim Cavizel, who has also starred in the religious epic “Passion of the Christ.” He slips believably from a Doubting Thomas to true believer, but doesn’t come across as arrogant or overreacting in his portrayal. And as Father Trevant, Hopkins’ performance is impressive. It’s impossible to catalogue his transformation in this movie without massive spoilers; but suffice it to say he goes from believing priest to one who becomes too familiar with the dark side of exorcism along the way.

The score for this film is done by Alex Heffes, composer as such films as “The Last King of Scotland” and “Escape Plan.” He draws tension in this film through ominous sounds, accompanied by striking cinematography by Ben Davis. One of the things that Davis does well in this film lies in lingering cameras, not afraid to remain fixed on horrors instead of pulling away. This is a film, like some of the best horror films, that builds terror through suspense and limited special effects, rather than blood, guts, and gore.

There are two scenes in this film, involving exorcism, that demonstrate wonderful special effects and buildup – and Davis doesn’t pull us away from the action when things get uncomfortable. Unlike the abhorrent “Hostel II” these events are not ghastly and offensive, but merely unsettling. It’s a small detail that makes “The Rite” that much more engaging.

Surprisingly, there are not a plethora of religious overtones in “The Rite,” but rather a familiar tale – a skeptical man (who acts as a narrator), who draws us into the story by his disbelief. We are like him. We don’t believe either. By the end we, like Kovack, do believe. It’s a credit to the story, and the acting by the various players, that this change takes place slowly, almost imperceptibly.

All in all, “The Rite” is an entertaining film, albeit an odd selection to watch this Halloween. It features a creepy atmosphere, capable acting, and special effects that are both sparse and believable. If you want to be scared out of your mind, or gored to death (pun intended) you’re better off watching “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” or “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” But if you want a subtle film that draws you into its macabre story slowly, “The Rite” is as good a bet as any.

– by Mark Ziobro