The Rite (2011 film)

Michael Kovak is the son of a successful funeral home owner and businessman, Istvan. Disillusioned with his job as a mortician, Michael decides to enter a seminary and renounce his vows upon completion, thereby getting a free college degree. Four years later, Michael is being ordained to the rank of deacon at the seminary, after which he writes a letter of resignation to his superior, Father Matthew, citing a lack of faith. Father Matthew, apparently wanting to talk to Michael, attempts to catch up to him on the street. He trips over a curb, causing a cyclist, Sandra, to swerve into the path of an oncoming van, and get critically injured. Seeing Michael's clerical garb, she asks him for absolution before her last breath. The hesitant Michael is unable to refuse; he comforts her and performs a blessing ritual to absolve her of her sins. Seeing how calmly Michael handled the situation, Father Matthew tells Michael that he is called to be a priest despite his unwillingness. He also tells Michael that with the rise in demonic possessions every year, the Church needs more exorcists and says that he has the potential to become one. Father Matthew advises him to go to the Vatican in Rome to attend an exorcism course taught by his friend Father Xavier. Michael agrees after Father Matthew tells him that the Church might convert his scholarship into a student loan that would cost him $100,000 if his resignation is accepted before he takes his vows. If Michael attends the exorcism classes and still wants to leave, then it can be discussed (hinting that he may be free to leave).

In Italy, Michael meets Angelina, also taking the course. He soon learns that she is a reporter who has been asked to cover the course for a newspaper article in the Dominican. Father Xavier notes Michael's skepticism and very tentative faith and asks him to meet a renowned friend, a Welsh Jesuit exorcist named Father Lucas. Michael meets Father Lucas at his home, where he also meets one of the priest's patients: a pregnant sixteen-year-old girl named Rosaria, who is possessed and Lucas is trying to exorcise. It is later revealed that she had been raped and abandoned by her father, which led to her possession. However, Michael remains skeptical, even after witnessing several preternatural events, such as the girl coughing up three long nails and speaking English fluently. She even pointedly reminds Michael of the last patient he anointed and of his loathing for his own father. Angelina requests Michael to relay any information he gets from Father Lucas to her, as the latter has always refused to be interviewed by her, which Michael declines. Rosaria tries to drown herself and is hospitalized. In the hospital, Father Lucas performs another exorcism. Rosaria miscarries; the baby dies from cardiac arrest, and the mother from major hemorrhaging. Disheartened, Father Lucas feels he has failed her. After this Michael decides to confide with Angelina.

After Rosaria's death, Father Lucas begins behaving strangely. Michael and Angelina find him sitting outside his house in the rain. Father Lucas takes them into his house and, knowing himself to be possessed, requests that Michael bring Father Xavier to perform the exorcism. Angelina and Michael try desperately to contact and find Father Xavier, but the latter has gone to Civitavecchia for three days. Michael decides to perform the exorcism himself with Angelina. After constant rebuking by the demon and a long, drawn-out fight, Michael regains his lost faith and is able to force the demon to reveal its name, Baal. He completes the exorcism, saying that he believes the demon exists, and he believes in an all powerful God as well. The demon leaves Father Lucas. Michael bids goodbye to Father Lucas, returning to the United States.

The film ends with Michael, having decided to become a priest after all, receiving a letter that Angelina has published an article on the exorcism. Father Michael then enters a confessional to hear a girl's confession in his church.

• Anthony Hopkins as Father Lucas Trevant{{Cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/20043/three-more-heads-spin-for-exorcist-drama-the-rite/|title=Three More Heads Spin for Exorcist Drama 'The Rite'|first=Brad|last=Miska|date=May 1, 2010}}
• Colin O'Donoghue as Michael Kovak{{Cite web|url=https://dreadcentral.com/news/37632/behind-scenes-images-the-rite|title=Behind-the-Scenes Images: The Rite|date=May 20, 2010 }}
• Alice Braga as Angelina Vargas{{Cite web|url=https://dreadcentral.com/news/37283/the-rite-cast-expands-three|title=The Rite Cast Expands by Three|date=September 10, 2012}}
• Ciarán Hinds{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/2010/05/03/ciaran-hinds-toby-jones-alice-braga-the-rite|title=Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones and Alice Braga Join The Rite|website=Collider}} as Father Xavier
• Toby Jones{{Cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/tags/horror|title=Horror|website=SYFY}} as Father Matthew
• Rutger Hauer as Istvan Kovak
• Marta Gastini as Rosaria
• Maria Grazia Cucinotta as Aunt Andria
• Arianna Veronesi as Francesca
• Andrea Calligari as Vincenzo
• Chris Marquette as Eddie
• Torrey DeVitto as Nina
• Ben Cheetham as Young Michael Kovak
• Marija Karan as Sandra
• Rosa Pianeta as Woman In Exorcism video
• Giampiero Ingrassia as Doctor
• Rosario Tedesco as Police Officer
• Cecilia Dazzi as Nurse
• Attila Bardóczy as Father Xavier's Secretary
• Nadia Kibout as Ethnic Nun
• Anita Pititto as Vatican Nun
• Sándor Baranyai as Concierge
• Fabiola Balestriere as Young Girl
• Anikó Vincze as Katalin Kovac
• Adriano Aragon as Italian Doctor (voice)
• Susan Silo as Lady (and additional voices)
• Peter Arpesella as Doctor (and additional voices)
• Jasper Jacob as Priest
• Nico Toffoli as the Demon (uncredited voice)
• Beatrice Zentai as Woman In Confessional

Mikael Håfström began working on the exorcism thriller in February 2010.{{Cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/19263/hollywood-has-exorcism-fever-new-line-begins-casting-the-rite/|title=Hollywood Has Exorcism Fever! New Line Begins Casting 'The Rite'|first=Brad|last=Miska|date=February 25, 2010}} Håfström began casting in March for the lead roles of Father Lucas and Michael Kovak, deciding on Anthony Hopkins and Colin O'Donoghue.{{Cite web|url=https://dreadcentral.com/news/36594/colin-odonoghue-to-help-hopkins-face-off-against-demons-the-rite|title=Colin O'Donoghue To Help Hopkins Face Off Against Demons in The Rite|date=August 21, 2012}} The film was produced by Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) under their Contrafilm Studios company.{{cite web|url=http://celebrifi.com/gossip/Movie-Casting-Anthony-Hopkins-Is-The-Rite-Choice-1659557.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130192008/http://celebrifi.com/gossip/Movie-Casting-Anthony-Hopkins-Is-The-Rite-Choice-1659557.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |title=Movie Casting: Anthony Hopkins Is 'The Rite' Choice |publisher=Celebrifi.com |access-date=2011-02-11}}

File:Torrey DeVitto by David Shankbone.jpg portrayed Nina in the film]]

The film is based on the book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist by then Rome-based American journalist Matt Baglio, which was published in 2009 and 2010. To research the book, Baglio participated in a seminar{{cite web|url=http://www.uprait.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=708:v-corso-sul-ministero-dellesorcismo&catid=373:corsi&Itemid=82&lang=en|title=VII Course on Exorcism and Prayers of Liberation|date=July 28, 2011|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728144807/http://www.uprait.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=708:v-corso-sul-ministero-dellesorcismo&catid=373:corsi&Itemid=82&lang=en|archive-date=July 28, 2011|df=mdy-all}} on exorcism by the Vatican-sponsored Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum{{Cite web|url=https://dreadcentral.com/news/37521/warner-brothers-adjusts-horror-schedule|title=Warner Brothers Adjusts Horror Schedule|date=September 17, 2012}}{{cite news|last=Cruz |first=Gilbert |url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1885372,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317071148/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1885372,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 17, 2009 |title=The Story of a Modern-Day Exorcist |publisher=Time |date=2009-03-16 |access-date=2011-02-11}} where he met Father Gary Thomas, a parish priest from Sacred Heart Church in Saratoga, California, who was tasked by the local bishop in San Jose, California to become an exorcist for the diocese.{{cite web|url=http://www.headlinebistro.com/en/news/frthomas.html | last=Ciarcia | first=Paul | title=The Healing Power of Exorcism | date=2009-10-30| access-date=2011-02-13| publisher=Headline Bistro}} Initially skeptical and reluctant, Father Gary becomes an "apprentice" to a Rome-based exorcist and his skepticism is soon replaced by the cold reality of evil and the ways it sometimes takes the form of demonic possession.{{cite web|url=http://catholicspotlight.com/592/transcript-of-cs125-matt-baglio-the-rite/ |title=Catholic Spotlight interview with Matt Baglio, the Author of The Rite |publisher=Catholicspotlight.com |date=2009-12-14 |access-date=2011-02-11}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bustedhalo.com/videoandaudio/interview-father-gary-thomas-vatican-certified-exorcist |title=Interview: Father Gary Thomas, Vatican-certified exorcist – Busted Halo |publisher=Bustedhalo.com |date=2011-01-17 |access-date=2011-02-11}} The book traces Father Gary's life prior to and subsequent to their acquaintance in 2005 which involved Baglio observing over twenty exorcisms performed by Father Gary. Baglio indicates that the experience in writing the book "was just a very spiritual process and in a lot of ways, it helped me reconnect to the Church and understand the value of faith. This isn't something that is silly and prayer, it's very important."{{cite web|url=http://catholicspotlight.com/592/transcript-of-cs125-matt-baglio-the-rite/ |title=Catholic Spotlight interview with Matt Baglio, the Author of The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist |publisher=Catholicspotlight.com |date=2009-12-14 |access-date=2011-02-11}}

While Baglio was still researching his book, producers Tripp Vinson and Beau Flynn (who had already produced The Exorcism of Emily Rose) learned about Baglio's book proposal and decided to purchase the movie rights. The producers contacted Michael Petroni (who was one of the writers for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) to write the screenplay. Petroni, a practicing Catholic, coordinated the development of his screenplay with Baglio, who was now writing the book at about the same time.{{cite web|author=Catholic Online |url=http://saints.catholic.org/ae/movies/review.php?id=40094 |title=Catholic Online "'The Rite' is Riveting! It Opens a Window to a Seldom Seen World" |publisher=Saints.catholic.org |access-date=2011-02-11}}

Håfström was invited to direct the film "intrigued by the fact that he would be working from facts, not just someone's imagination." While the film is focused on demonic possession and exorcism, Håfström also believes that "this story is about a young man finding himself and finding his way." In preparation for the film, Håfström attended some exorcisms in Rome although never being present in the actual room, he could hear what was taking place.{{cite web|url=https://cinemablend.com/new/Exclusive-Interview-The-Rite-Director-Mikael-Hafstrom-22846.html |title=Exclusive Interview: The Rite Director Mikael Hafstrom |publisher=Cinema Blend |date=2011-01-27 |access-date=2011-02-11}} Father Gary Thomas served as a consultant on the set of The Rite{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicreview.org/subpages/selectedstory.aspx?action=9034 |title=Book focusing on U.S. priest's training as exorcist being made into movie |publisher=Catholic Review |access-date=2011-02-11}}{{cite web|url=http://www.catholic.net/index.php?option=zenit&id=31515 |title=Catholic Net: Interview with Father Gary Thomas, Official Exorcist of San Jose California |publisher=Catholic.net |date=2010-08-27 |access-date=2013-05-22}} and indicated that the exorcisms in the film were "very accurate" with some "expected licenses" taken.{{cite web |url=http://video.about.com/movies/Anthony-Hopkins-The-Rite.htm |title=The Rite Interviews – Anthony Hopkins and Father Gary Thomas |publisher=Video.about.com |date=2011-01-29 |access-date=2011-02-11 |archive-date=February 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202214612/http://video.about.com/movies/Anthony-Hopkins-The-Rite.htm |url-status=dead }}

According to actor Franco Nero, he filmed a nine-minute monologue which was entirely cut from the final film.{{Cite web|title=Franco Nero interview|url=https://www.flashbackfiles.com/franco-nero-interview|access-date=2021-02-23|website=THE FLASHBACK FILES|language=en-US}}

Warner Bros. released the film on January 28, 2011.

The Rite grossed $33{{nbsp}}million in the United States and Canada, and $63.5{{nbsp}}million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $96.6{{nbsp}}million.

The film made $14.8 million from 2,985 theaters in its opening weekend, beating fellow newcomer The Mechanic and topping the box office.{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2011W04/?ref_=bo_rl_table_1|title=Domestic 2011 Weekend 4}} It fell 62% to $5.6 million in its second weekend, finishing sixth, and made $3.3 million in its third weekend, dropping to 11th.{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl90998273/weekend/?ref_=bo_tt_gr#table|title=The Rite}}

{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|21|4.3|173|Anthony Hopkins is as excellent as ever, but he's no match for The Rite's dawdling pace and lack of chills -- or Colin O'Donoghue's tentative performance in the leading role.|ref=yes|access-date=February 14, 2022}} {{MC film|33|38|ref=yes|access-date=February 14, 2022}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale.{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemascore.com|title=Find CinemaScore|format=Type "Rite, The" in the search box|publisher=CinemaScore|access-date=February 8, 2022}}

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film three out of four stars and said, "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."{{cite news|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-rite-2011 |title=The Rite |publisher=RogerEbert.com |date= 2011-01-26|access-date=2021-10-17}}

The film was generally well-received within the Catholic community, although some questioned its classification as "horror".{{cite web|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/21799/exorcist-praises-new-movie-the-rite-for-showing-power-of-faith |title=Exorcist praises new movie 'The Rite' for showing power of faith |publisher=Catholic News Agency |access-date=2011-02-11}}{{cite web|author=John Mulderig |url=http://thecatholicspirit.com/featured/the-rite/ |title=Review of The Rite |publisher=The Catholic Spirit |date=2011-01-27 |access-date=2011-02-11}}{{cite web|url=http://www.americancatholic.org/movies/CNSMovieBrief.aspx?reviewID=12912 |title=The Rite |publisher=American Catholic |access-date=2011-02-11}}{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1100268.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131075532/http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1100268.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 31, 2011 |title=Catholic news Service: 'The Rite' is honorable drama disguised as conventional horror flick |publisher=Catholicnews.com |access-date=2011-02-11}}{{cite web|url=http://catholicexchange.com/2011/01/28/146838/ |title=The Rite Stuff |publisher=Catholic Exchange |date=2011-01-28 |access-date=2011-02-11}} The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops noted: "Though shaky on a few details, director Mikael Håfström's conversion tale resoundingly affirms faith and the value of priestly ministry. Yet the effort to showcase the main character's spiritual journey as an old-fashioned chillfest weakens its ultimate impact."{{cite web|url=http://www.usccb.org/movies/r/rite2011.shtml |title=United States Conference of Catholic Bishops review of The Rite |publisher=Usccb.org |access-date=2011-02-11}}

{{Portal|Film|Speculative fiction/Horror}}

• List of ghost films
• Baal
• Christian demonology
• Demonic possession
• Exorcism
• Exorcism in Christianity
• Exorcism in the Catholic Church
• The Exorcism of Emily Rose
• The Exorcist
• The Pope's Exorcist

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• {{Official website|http://theritemovie.warnerbros.com/dvd/}}
• {{IMDb title|1161864}}
• {{mojo title|rite}}
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• {{Metacritic film}}

{{Mikael Håfström}}

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