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Who do you fear most, Hannibal Lector or the devil? I guess another way to ask would be; what scares you more, the evil next door or the evil within? When it comes to horror films that is a good question to ask yourself. While many of us scoff at the masked, demented, marauder with the machete we are left shaking in our theater seats at any sign of spinning heads and growling voices. The Rite however is a film that uses none of those fall back elements but through subtle delivery creates an intelligent, intense thriller. And one that is scary as hell. 

Michael Kovak (Colin O'Donoghue) is a young priest struggling with doubt while searching for his place and direction in life. What better place to send someone with doubt than to an exorcism school that trains priests in this area. While in Rome Kovak begins studying under one of the most prestigious, though non conventional exorcists in the area; Father Lucas Trevant (Anthony Hopkins). Father Lucas’ goal is to simply show Michael that the devil does exist. But he gets more than he bargained for when he finds himself being overcome by an outside entity. 

This film is smartly written and though very loosely based on the life of a real priest (Father Gary Thomas), it still tries to get its facts straight and avoid any Hollywood stereotypes. As Hopkins says, “there are no spinning heads and pea soup”. It is this sort of non chalant approach that makes The Rite even scarier. The possessed characters in the movie come to Father Lucas the same way American’s might make weekly visits to a psychiatrist. And it is in these weekly sessions that Lucas contacts the inner evil to drive it out. 

The movie also makes you stop and examine your own beliefs, and some of the topics raised by the young priest are fodder for discussion long after the credits roll. Regardless of your religious background there is something intriguing about the world we don’t see. The characters are solid enough to make the questions seem poignant. They deliver the lines with conviction. I feel this elevates the film to more than just another moronic, demonic outing. 

But don’t misunderstand. The film is still edge of your seat chilling. It is scary and intense. Hopkins delivers one of his finest performances to date. Father Lucas himself becomes overtaken by something and the transformation Hopkins takes will keep you up at night. He once again shows that acting is subtle and his ability to manipulate his character into something evil is an art form. 

The Rite is rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic material, violence, frightening images, and language including sexual references. I would not suggest it for those with over active imaginations or people who jump at shadows. It is perfect though for those who enjoy a thought provoking thriller or those who simply want to be scared. I give it 4 out of 5 covers over your head. It was so good and scary in fact that I will never see it again.

Matt Mungle

Review copyright 2011 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.