The Rite Mikael Hafstrom, 2011
4 Stars
More than thirty years ago, an exorcism movie “based on a true story” rocked the world with its shocking portrayal of the degeneration of young Reagan, and its delightful subliminal images that flash behind your eyelids whilst in the shower for weeks after watching. In the years that have passed since this cinematic goliath, there have been numerous “true stories” of exorcisms (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Last Exorcism, blah, blah, blah), each one revolving around a young girl, and each one really quite lame.
And so came this Monday evening, when a beast of an earthquake sent Manami and I to the cinema in search of some cultural relief. Under my lady friend’s behest, I agreed somewhat tentatively to see Anthony Hopkins’ latest outing, The Rite, another exorcism tale based on a true story.
But, good golly, was I in for a surprise!
Telling the tale of young priest Michael Kovak, insecure in his faith (played by new face Colin O’Donoghue) who is sent to the Vatican in order to train as an exorcist, The Rite is immediately intriguing and thought provoking. Enter Hopkins, on fine form as experienced exorcist Father Lucas, and the scene is set for something special.
More an excursion into Christian mythology than a straight-out horror film, The Rite follows Lucas and Kovak as they track the demon Baal through various hosts, ending, as is given away by the trailer, with the possession of Lucas himself, during which Hopkins really gives his most deliciously evil portrayal of a character since Lecter. Throughout the course of the film, beliefs are questioned, and the essence of good and evil discussed in great detail.
A two hour long movie that led to a full night of philosophical discussions, this is a rare treat indeed, and certainly hits all of the “rite” buttons.
Ahahaha.
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