The ‘Rite’ Film

"The Rite," which was released in theatres this past Friday, is a fictional movie set at the Vatican in Rome based on Matt Baglio's book "The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist."

Baglio was heavily involved with the production and filming of the movie. Despite being a fictional film, many of the exorcisms and other events portrayed in the movie allege to be accurate depictions of actual exorcisms which took place in the Vatican. Viewers will find "The Rite" interesting and shocking at the same time.

The movie co-stars Irish-born actor Colin O'Donoghue as one of the lead characters and seminary student Michael Kovak. O'Donoghue is perhaps best known for his guest starring role in a 2009 episode of HBO's "The Tudors."

A more familiar face appears in the movie as well: legendary Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins co-starring as Father Lucas. Hopkins' memorable performance in "The Silence of the Lambs" makes "Rite" an easy fit.

Other members of the cast will be more familiar to the American moviegoer as well, including such names as Toby Jones ("Frost/Nixon") and Rutger Hauer ("Batman Begins," "Blade Runner") among others. The director is the Swedish-born Jan Mikael Håfström, who previously directed the 2007 film "1408" and the 2005 film "Derailed."

In Rite, Kovak is a man struggling with his wavering faith, and Father Lucas is destined to show the young student the true realities of faith in an unorthodox and mind-blowing manner. This "faith check" of Father Lucas' description includes inviting his apprentice, Kovak, to experience exorcisms first-hand.

Hearing the screams of the men and women through the walls as the Devil is purged from their bodies, Kovak is intrigued by the prospect of performing exorcisms.

Throughout the entire exorcism experience, Kovak is challenged to explain not only the unexplainable, but also come to terms with his own faith.

The film's few negative aspects don't completely distort the viewing experience. Håfström could have chosen a better lead character than the previously-unknown O'Donoghue. He also should have included more scenes explaining the unorthodox plot. The horror element was distorted a bit as well – little is done to suspend the disbelief in the incredible; namely, the exorcisms.

O'Donoghue's performance wasn't the pinnacle of the film, and luckily Hopkins was able to save it. And though the exorcisms weren't explained, the individual scenes were scary and entertaining enough to capture attention.

For those fans of religious themed horror, the Rite is an excellent choice to see in theatres.