Why I Saw It: Invited to a press screening, but would have seen it anyway for Hopkins, and was curious as to how the subject matter would be treated.
What I Thought: [Great] If you believe or are curious, see it. If not, skip it ~ at your own risk. ;)

The Rite. Dir. Mikael Hafstrom. Perf. Anthony Hopkins, Colin O’Donoghue, Alice Braga, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones, Rutger Hauer. New Line Cinema, 2011.

Michael Kovak, resolved not to go into the family business, opted for the “other” option and enrolled in seminary. Feeling conflicted about his future he ultimately resigned, but before accepting the resignation his superior suggests he explore training in a specialized area: the rite of exorcism.

Anthony Hopkins as Father Trevant / Photo: New Line Cinema

If you’re looking for an Exorcist-style thrill ride, you won’t find it here. If you’re interested in a thoughtful encounter with the Devil ~ whether you believe in him or not ~ you won’t be disappointed.

The Rite, starring Anthony Hopkins and relative cinematic newcomer Colin O’Donoghue, puts forth a more realistic depiction of exorcism, which is certainly not to say it’s for tenderfeet. Quite the contrary, it argues frankly that, as Hopkin’s veteran priest tells O’Donoghue’s seminarian, “Just because you don’t believe in the Devil doesn’t mean he isn’t real.”

Then begins the “take your exorcist to work day” tagalong, and we decide for ourselves.

This isn’t the sensational horror-movie depiction of The Exorcist , nor is it the cautionary tale recounted in The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Rather, The Rite is a thoughtful exploration of the need for exorcism as a spiritual specialty, of the rite itself as a spiritual discipline requiring both technique and a certain type of mettle.

Going in, I was cognizant of to what extent one’s belief would effect what one saw. Would it leave one hot or cold, depending on whether or not one agrees? Would it have the power to sway an opinion from one to another? Would it even try?

I enjoyed (if you will) The Rite a great deal, and consider it an excellent third leg in the “exorcism stool” together with the two aforementioned. One says from the outside, “This happens, be very afraid”; one says, “This is my story, I share it that you might believe”; one says, “This exists, and this how it’s dealt with.” Did I mention that “dealing with it” ain’t no walk in the park? Yeah…

Another nice quality is the regular comic relief offered (early on, anyway…). Not so much that it ever interrupted the flow or changed the tone, just enough to relax the muscles a bit. Nice touch. Welcome touch. Thanks for that.

As for the truth of it, I did have a sense as to where some dramatic license may have been taken, but once the sensation passed it posed no problem, and upon reflection afterward, I can see why it might have been necessary. The story needed us to become ever more emotionally involved in order to join in with Michael Kovak’s increasing investment, and it made for some pretty excellent cinema, but that’s all I can say here.

The power of the story rings true throughout, and the professional demeanor of the major players only prompts more reflection. It never steers, never preaches, only presents and leaves one to conclude.

Given the closing notes, makes you wonder what’s been going on in the world since these two were together last…