# The Rite

> For a genuine, un-Hollywood exorcism, turn to the gospel accounts of Jesus Christ banishing demons

By Ben McEachen · 14 July 2011 · Reviews / Gaming

Canonical: https://insights1.uca.org.au/articles/the-rite/

## **(MA) Warner DVD/BD**

Any time a film’s synopsis includes the words “possession” and “priest”, every movie maniac anywhere must instantly think of Oscar-winning 1973 chiller *The Exorcist*, which remains the definitive screen work about the contentious subject of banishing demons.

Starring Sir Anthony Hopkins,*The Rite* is about priests trying to combat “possession”. While it would like viewers to believe it is providing a different angle from that of *The Exorcist*, *The Rite* doesn’t.

Both films are loosely based on true stories, hinge on men of the cloth having crises of faith, and feature young women apparently consumed by a force which demands creepy voices, body contortion and a choral soundtrack.

Despite *The Rite* being set in the shadow of Vatican City in Rome, presentation of theological debates, mixed with dogma and Catholic ritual, lacks the sophistication and sincerity of *The Exorcist.*

Without aiming to be an evangelical tool, *The Exorcist’s* simplified yet graphic exhibition of “good versus bad” should make even the hardiest atheist question how the presence of evil can be understood and, more importantly, opposed. *The Rite* doesn’t force the same contemplation.

As *The Rite*goes through the demon-busting motions, Hopkins throws himself in as a maverick Jesuit who challenges his wishy-washy apprentice (Colin O’Donoghue) with deliberately daft rants about spiritual attacks and how a “real” exorcism isn’t like the movies. But the exorcism techniques displayed prove to be vastly similar to, um, what we’ve seen in other movies.

For a genuine, un-Hollywood exorcism, turn to the gospel accounts of Jesus Christ banishing demons. Without histrionics, annoying music or a song and dance, Jesus’ power over evil is clearly demonstrated by his compassionate yet authoritative acts.

**Ben McEachen**