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The Rite (2011)

By Michael Schilf · May 17, 2011

Screenplay Genre: Drama / Horror / Thriller

Movie Time: 114 minutes

INCITING INCIDENT

Michael Kovac (Colin O’Donoghue), a straight-A seminary student, turns in his resignation before taking the final vows that will certify him as a catholic priest. Father Matthew (Toby Jones), rejects his resignation and suggests that he take a new two-month course on exorcism at the Vatican. Michael is reluctant but Father Matthew explains that he has the option of transferring Michael’s scholarships into student loans, and that he will do so if Michael doesn’t take the course. (00:15:24)

2. LOCK IN (End of Act One)

Michael gets into an argument about the validity of demonic possession with a Vatican professor, who sends Michael to see Father Lucas Trevant (Anthony Hopkins) – an unorthodox priest who “knows his stuff.” After Michael meets Father Lucas at a dilapidated house, a pregnant teenage girl, Rosaria (Marta Gastini), and her aunt arrive. Father Lucas informs Michael that if he wants to watch, he must help. The exorcism begins and the girl reacts. (00:28:08)

3. FIRST CULMINATION (Midpoint)

Michael continues to wrestle with his doubts and decides that Father Lucas is a sham. He is about to confront him about it when they learn from an urgent phone call that Rosaria is in the hospital after trying to drown herself. When they arrive, she is in full possession mode, screaming and speaking in tongues. Father Lucas continues the exorcism, but Michael believes she is suffering from psychological delusions and leaves the hospital. Rosaria and her child die in the night. (00:57:50)

4. MAIN CULMINATION (End of Act Two)

Michael is on his way back home after learning his father has fallen into a coma, but all flights have been cancelled due to an immense volcanic eruption in Iceland. He calls the hospital from his hotel room and asks to speak to his father, who is disoriented, asking where Michael is and saying that they’re hurting him. The hospital receptionist gets back on the line, informing Michael that his father died several hours earlier. Michael goes to Father Lucas for help. (1:13:23)

5. THIRD ACT TWIST

Michael arrives at Father Lucas’ house to discover Lucas is possessed. But when Father Xavier can’t be reached to perform an exorcism, Michael must do it. The demon weakens him, demanding he believes in it. Michael relents to its will, but by doing this, he also fully accepts God into his heart. With the strength of God, Michael vanquishes the demon. With his faith renewed, and Father Lucas restored, Michael now will take his vows and become a certified Catholic Priest. (1:41:07)