Prey for the Devil

A message is presented, indicating that due to a global increase in demonic possessions, the Catholic Church has begun allowing training programs for priests to conduct exorcisms outside of Rome.

In the film’s opening sequence, we meet a young girl named Ann, portrayed by Debora Zhecheva, who locks herself in her room, ignoring her mother’s frantic pleas to let her in. As the situation escalates, Ann’s mother begins to bang her head against the door, revealing she is possessed by a dark force.

Fast forward to years later, and we find an adult Ann, played by Jacqueline Byers, who has become a nun stationed at the St. Michael the Archangel School of Exorcism in Boston. Devoted to her duties in the medical ward, she attends to patients, including a young girl named Natalie, played by Posy Taylor.

Curious about exorcisms, Ann secretly attends classes taught by Father Quinn, portrayed by Colin Salmon, despite the strict church rule that forbids nuns from learning about this sacred rite. One fateful day, while giving a sponge bath to a patient, he suddenly attacks her, speaking in a voice reminiscent of her mother’s possessed words. This shocking incident is captured on security footage, prompting Father Quinn to believe that the demon may target Ann next, necessitating her training in exorcism.

In her first exorcism class, Father Quinn takes the students to witness an actual exorcism, which tragically involves Natalie. During a botched exorcism attempt, where Father Dante and Father Raymond try to drive out the demon, it quickly takes control, but Ann intervenes. Though the demon temporarily leaves Natalie, it simply retreats, marking the exorcism unsuccessful, leaving the girl classified as a terminal case.

As Ann continues to be haunted by the same demonic presence, she delves into the history of former patients, aided by Father Dante, to find survivors. Their research uncovers a solitary account of survival, but the woman bears lasting scars from her experience, while others have tragically perished.

Later, Father Dante confides in Ann about his pregnant sister, who he believes is possessed, imploring her to lead a risky exorcism. Trusting her instincts, Ann agrees to assist. After a challenging confrontation, she successfully liberates Dante’s sister from the demon’s grip.

In a deeply personal moment, Ann reveals to Dante that she gave birth to a daughter before her life as a nun but chose adoption for her child’s well-being. However, their joy is overshadowed when Ann learns that after their session, Dante’s sister has taken her own life, prompting her to retreat to her monastery at St. Mary’s.

Father Dante then visits Ann, informing her unexpectedly that Natalie was released, yet soon after suffers a terrifying relapse, resulting in her being transported to the hospital. When the ambulance doors open, a gruesome scene unfolds as everyone inside has been killed by Natalie. In a shocking twist, Dante presents Ann with a necklace that Natalie recognizes: it is the very one she gave her daughter at birth, revealing Natalie’s shocking identity as her long-lost child.

Driven by desperation, Ann joins Dante in yet another risky exorcism deep in the catacombs beneath St. Michael’s, where Natalie is being confined. Amidst breathless tension, Natalie breaks free and goes on a rampage, killing several priests, including Father Raymond. In a climactic confrontation, Ann convinces the demon to abandon Natalie, choosing to possess her instead.

Now engulfed in darkness, Ann hunts Natalie within the shadows of the catacombs. As she turns her fury on Dante and almost succumbs to the demon’s control, the fight takes a dramatic turn. While battling her overwhelming inner demons, she stumbles upon a holy water fountain. The sacred water ultimately purges the evil presence from her, leading to Ann’s rescue and a heartfelt reunion with Natalie and Dante.

Though recovering in a hospital, Ann bid farewell to Natalie as she reunites with her adoptive mother. The harrowing events earn Ann a scholarship to study at the Vatican, and as she prepares to depart, Father Quinn reminds her of her valor in confronting the devil.

As Ann travels by cab to the airport, she catches the eye of a mysterious woman in the street, only to discover that the cab driver has vanished, having been replaced by a sinister figure beside her. Armed with her crucifix and prepared for yet another battle, Ann braces herself as the film comes to a chilling conclusion.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 12:00