The Rite

    The Rite
    2011

    Synopsis

    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.

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    Cast

    • Anthony HopkinsFather Lucas Trevant
    • Colin O'DonoghueMichael Kovak
    • Alice BragaAngeline
    • Rutger HauerIstvan Kovak
    • Ciarán HindsFather Xavier
    • Toby JonesFather Matthew
    • Maria Grazia CucinottaAunt Andria
    • Marta GastiniRosaria
    • Arianna VeronesiFrancesca
    • Andrea CalligariVincenzo

    Recommendations

    • 75

      Chicago Sun-Times

      I admire The Rite because while it delivers what I suppose should be called horror, it is atmospheric, its cinematography is eerie and evocative, and the actors enrich it.
    • 60

      Arizona Republic

      Hafstrom creates a nice, creepy vibe, especially for the first part of the movie, which has a menacing atmosphere. Too bad he doesn't sustain it.
    • 60

      Chicago Reader

      Horror fans may be disappointed by this handsome exorcism drama, which aspires to the serious religious feeling of William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" but delivers little of its shock or gore.
    • 50

      Variety

      While marred by cheap tricks and borderline camp, picture comes off as a largely low-key, intelligent effort.
    • 50

      Orlando Sentinel

      Only Hopkins, readily referencing his bag of tricks, seems to get what to make of this "inspired by trues events (and a book by Matt Baglio)" hooey.
    • 40

      The Hollywood Reporter

      The Rite becomes more ludicrous as it goes along, with more than a few lines of dialogue from Michael Petroni's over-the-top screenplay eliciting unintended titters.
    • 40

      Village Voice

      Michael's motivations remain arbitrary and inscrutable, right down to his entry into the seminary. This is brought up by a number of characters, who interpret his implausible career decision as A Sign. It is-of bad writing.
    • 25

      Observer

      The bottom line is, whether you worship God, Satan, Xenu or Ron Paul, The Rite gets it wrong.

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