Prey for the Devil (2022) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

The demon targets Ann because of her personal history. When Ann was a child, her mother became possessed by the same demon, and Ann witnessed the traumatic event. This creates a spiritual connection between Ann and the demon, which is why the possessed patient attacks her while speaking in her mother's voice. The demon has a personal stake in tormenting Ann.

Foreshadowing: The opening scene shows Ann's mother being possessed, establishing the demon's connection to Ann years before the main events.

• demon possession
• Ann
• mother
• spiritual connection
• exorcism

When Natalie is classified as a "terminal case," it means the demon possessing her is considered too powerful to be expelled. The Church essentially gives up on saving her, viewing her as beyond help. This classification drives Ann to take desperate measures to save Natalie, including the final confrontation in the catacombs.

Foreshadowing: The failed exorcism early in the movie demonstrates how powerful this particular demon is.

• terminal case
• Natalie
• demon
• exorcism failed

Dante's sister commits suicide because the demon, even after being exorcised, leaves deep psychological trauma that overwhelms her. The movie shows that survivors of demonic possession bear lasting scars, and the demon's influence doesn't end immediately upon expulsion. This tragic event motivates Ann to return to her monastery and question her calling.

Foreshadowing: Earlier research reveals that previous survivors are left deeply scarred from their experiences.

• Dante's sister
• suicide
• possession
• trauma
• exorcism

Years before becoming a nun, Ann gave birth to a daughter and chose adoption for the child's well-being. The necklace that Natalie wears is the one Ann gave her at birth. When Father Dante presents this necklace to Ann, it triggers her memories and reveals that Natalie is her long-lost child, explaining why Ann feels such a strong connection to save her.

Foreshadowing: Ann tells Dante she gave up a daughter for adoption before becoming a nun, planting the seed for this revelation.

• Natalie
• Ann
• daughter
• necklace
• adoption
• twist

During the final exorcism in the catacombs, Ann chooses to invite the demon into herself rather than let it continue destroying Natalie. This act of maternal sacrifice reflects her newly discovered role as Natalie's mother. By offering herself as a vessel, she gives Natalie a chance to be freed from the demon's grip.

Foreshadowing: Ann's earlier decision to help Dante's sister demonstrates her willingness to take risks for others.

• Ann
• demon possession
• sacrifice
• Natalie
• mother

Ann survives by finding a holy water fountain deep in the catacombs. The sacred water purges the demon from her body, allowing her to reclaim her sense of self. This moment represents her strong faith overcoming the darkness, and she is ultimately rescued and reunited with Natalie.

Foreshadowing: Father Quinn reminds Ann that she possesses extraordinary abilities, hinting at her spiritual resilience.

• holy water
• Ann
• demon
• survived
• purification
• catacombs

The ending is ambiguous and ominous. As Ann travels to the airport with her scholarship to study at the Vatican, she notices the cab driver has vanished and been replaced by a sinister figure. This suggests the demon has returned or sent another evil force after her. Ann braces herself with her crucifix, indicating she understands the battle is not over.

Foreshadowing: The demon's personal vendetta against Ann makes it unlikely to simply give up.

• ending
• cab
• demon
• threat
• ambiguous
• Vatican

The patient attacks Ann because the same demon that possessed her mother years earlier is targeting her. Speaking in her mother's voice is the demon's way of psychologically tormenting Ann and demonstrating its personal connection to her. This incident convinces Father Quinn that Ann needs training to protect herself.

Foreshadowing: The opening scene establishes the demonic possession of Ann's mother.

• patient attack
• mother's voice
• demon
• Ann
• possession

Ann succeeds through a combination of factors: her personal connection to the demon gives her insight into its methods, her determination stems from emotional stakes, and her unique abilities are acknowledged by Father Quinn. Her success with Dante's sister and later Natalie shows that faith combined with understanding the enemy's connection to her makes her more effective than traditional approaches.

Foreshadowing: Father Quinn acknowledges Ann has extraordinary abilities that set her apart from other students.

• Ann
• exorcism success
• Father Quinn
• abilities
• trained priests

The Catholic Church begins training exorcists because of a global increase in demonic possessions. The opening message explains that this rise in cases forces the Church to allow training programs for priests outside of Rome, creating the setting for the exorcism school where Ann studies.

Foreshadowing: The movie opens with a warning about the surge in demonic activity worldwide.

• Catholic Church
• exorcist training
• global increase
• possessions