The Rite

Disillusioned with his father's work as a mortuary owner, Michael Kovak decides to enter seminary school. His ultimate plan is to abdicate his vows after completing his education to secure a free college degree.

Four years after beginning his studies, Michael is ordained to the diaconate at the seminary. However, he quickly writes a letter of resignation to Father Matthew, expressing his doubts about his faith and desire to leave the priesthood.

While leaving the seminary, Michael has a fateful encounter where a young woman mistakenly believes he is a priest and asks him for absolution. Despite his internal conflict, Michael performs the ritual, which makes him question his decisions further.

Father Matthew insists that Michael is meant to be a priest and persuades him to travel to Rome for an exorcism class. To avoid a hefty student loan, Michael reluctantly agrees, keeping the option to resign open after the course.

During the exorcism course in Rome, Michael meets Angelina, a reporter covering the class for an article. They strike up a conversation, and she becomes interested in Michael's skeptical views on faith and exorcism.

Michael is introduced to Father Lucas, a renowned exorcist, who shows him a young girl possessed after being raped by her father. Despite the traumatic situation, Michael remains skeptic, doubting the reality of the supernatural.

As the possessed girl's condition deteriorates, Father Lucas performs an exorcism in the hospital with Michael observing. The events escalate tragically when the girl miscarries, leaving Father Lucas feeling defeated.

Following the death of the girl, Father Lucas begins to exhibit strange behavior indicating he may be possessed. This alarming change prompts Michael and Angelina to seek help from Father Xavier, but they find him unreachable.

In a desperate act to save Father Lucas, Michael resolves to perform the exorcism himself. With Angelina by his side, he confronts the demon, drawing on his lost faith to combat the malevolent force.

After a grueling confrontation with the demon Baal, Michael successfully expels it from Father Lucas. With his faith restored, Michael leaves Rome, feeling a sense of fulfillment.

Michael returns home to the United States, having completed his transformative journey. He has found renewed purpose and clarity about his calling in life.

In the final scene, Michael is now recognized as Father Michael Kovak, serving in the priesthood. He enters a confessional, ready to guide others, signaling the embrace of his mission and the faith he had once doubted.