Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
Seminary student Michael Kovak reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While he’s in Rome, Michael meets an unorthodox priest who introduces him to the darker side of his faith, uncovering the devil’s reach even to one of the holiest places on Earth.
The Rite follows a well-worn path through exorcism thriller territory — a skeptic confronts evil and finds faith — without bringing much fresh perspective. The Vatican/Rome setting adds some atmosphere and Anthony Hopkins brings his usual commanding presence, elevating what would otherwise be a generic possession film. The cinematography is competent, using Roman locations effectively, but rarely inventive. The plot leans heavily on familiar genre beats and the climactic confrontation feels formulaic. Hopkins chewing scenery as a possessed priest is entertaining but the film never decides whether it wants to be a serious theological drama or a horror thriller, leaving it stranded between the two.