The Rite Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A funeral director’s son goes to Italy to exorcise his daddy issues and accidentally saves Anthony Hopkins from a demon using the power of lukewarm faith.

🍿 The Rite: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Michael’s Skepticism

Michael Kovak, son of a funeral director and estranged from his father, enters seminary for practical reasons, lacking genuine faith. As ordination approaches, he’s overwhelmed by doubt and decides to leave. His mentor, Father Matthew, intervenes, urging him to attend an exorcism course in Italy.

Italy and Father Lucas

In Rome, Michael attends lectures but remains skeptical. Father Xavier, noticing Michael’s disbelief, sends him to Father Lucas Trevant, an experienced exorcist known for his unconventional methods. Michael observes Father Lucas performing exorcisms, particularly on a troubled teenage girl, Rosaria, but he remains unconvinced, attributing the phenomena to psychological issues.

The Turning Point

Rosaria’s condition deteriorates, and she eventually dies. Her death profoundly affects Father Lucas, and unsettling events begin to occur, suggesting demonic forces at play. Michael’s skepticism starts to erode as he witnesses increasingly inexplicable phenomena around Father Lucas and himself.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue): A skeptical seminary student who travels to Italy for an exorcism course, ultimately finding his faith.
• Father Lucas Trevant (Anthony Hopkins): An experienced and unorthodox exorcist whose own faith is tested and who becomes possessed.
• Angeline (Alice Braga): A journalist investigating exorcisms who befriends Michael and supports him in his journey.
• Father Xavier (Ciarán Hinds): A Vatican exorcism course instructor who recognizes Michael’s skepticism and guides him.
• Istvan Kovak (Rutger Hauer): Michael’s estranged father, a funeral director, whose influence shapes Michael’s initial lack of faith.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Father Lucas: “What did you expect? Crosses flying around the room? Pea soup?” – Said sarcastically to Michael when he expresses skepticism about the reality of demonic possession.
• Father Lucas: “Even the devil has faith.” – A thought-provoking line delivered by Father Lucas to challenge Michael’s lack of belief.
• Michael Kovak: “I don’t believe in the Devil.” – Michael’s initial statement of disbelief, which is challenged throughout the film.
• Father Lucas: “Where there is faith, there is also doubt.” – Father Lucas’s wise observation about the relationship between belief and skepticism, highlighting the internal conflict in Michael.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $37 million
• Domestic Gross: $33 million
• Worldwide Gross: $97.5 million

💥 The Rite Reviews

Personal Review

I went in expecting a horror movie but got a faith-based drama. It’s not terrifying, but it’s thought-provoking. Anthony Hopkins is great as always, chewing scenery and adding depth to his character. The ending felt a little rushed. Overall, if you’re looking for a creepy exploration of faith and doubt, this is worth a watch. I was on the edge of my seat.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of supernatural horror movies”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of faith and skepticism”
  • “Those who appreciate Anthony Hopkins’ performances”
  • “People interested in exorcism stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Themes of demonic possession”
  • “Some violence”
  • “Mature thematic elements”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite Anthony Hopkins’ solid performance, ‘The Rite’ is a routine and uneventful exorcism thriller, lacking scares and originality.
• Roger Ebert: “Roger Ebert gave the film 2.5/4 stars noting that Hopkins gave a reliably creepy performance, and the film was a watchable though minor thriller.

Audience Reactions

Anthony Hopkins’ performance was the standout, bringing a chilling presence to the screen.: Viewers appreciated the movie’s exploration of faith and skepticism and a break from typical horror tropes.

Overall Consensus: While some found the film thought-provoking and praised Hopkins’ performance, many felt it was a routine and unoriginal exorcism thriller that lacked scares.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Anthony Hopkins reportedly drew inspiration from real-life exorcist Father Gary Thomas for his portrayal of Father Lucas.”
• “The film’s production consulted with actual Vatican-approved exorcists to ensure accuracy in the rituals depicted.”
• “While the movie is set in Rome, much of the filming took place in Budapest, Hungary, to take advantage of the city’s architecture and filming infrastructure.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Rite?

The Rite is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Rite, you might like these similar films:

• The Exorcist (1973): A classic and arguably the most iconic film about demonic possession, setting the standard for the genre.
• The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005): Deals with similar themes of faith, skepticism, and the reality of demonic possession within a legal and religious context.
• Constantine (2005): Features a cynical protagonist battling demonic forces, although with a more action-oriented approach.
• Deliver Us from Evil (2014): A New York cop investigates a series of disturbing and inexplicable crimes and discovers they are being caused by demonic forces.

🛒 The Rite Related Products

• The Rite (Blu-ray): Experience ‘The Rite’ in stunning high definition. A must-have for fans of supernatural thrillers and Anthony Hopkins’ iconic performances.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Hannibal Lecter: Bring home a piece of Anthony Hopkins’ legacy with this Funko Pop! figure. A perfect addition to any horror or movie memorabilia collection.
• Demon Tarot Deck: Explore the occult with this demon tarot deck. Perfect gift for those interested in demons and dark themes. This deck will provide unique insights and guidance.
• A Catholic Bible: Because God is referenced throughout the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Rite features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Don’t Miss Me” – performed by The Derek Trucks Band
• “Dies Irae” – performed by Various Artists (Traditional Latin Hymn)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Rite: Near Ending

Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as you witness a spine-chilling scene from ‘The Rite.’ This intense encounter between good and evil will leave you haunted long after the credits roll.

✨ Rate