“Prey for the Devil,” a 2022 American supernatural horror film, delves into the dark and unsettling world of demonic possession and exorcism. Directed by Daniel Stamm and produced by Lionsgate, the film features a unique protagonist – a nun, Sister Ann, portrayed by Jacqueline Byers, who is trained as an exorcist under the Roman Catholic Church.
The film, released on October 28, 2022, in the United States and Canada, although greeted with negative reviews from critics, presents a chilling narrative steeped in spiritual warfare.
Table of Contents
Plot
Set against the backdrop of a world experiencing a surge in demonic possessions, the Catholic Church reopens exorcism schools to arm its clergy against this growing menace. Sister Ann, endowed with a unique empathy for the possessed, is trained for exorcism despite the Church’s reservations about nuns performing such rites.
She joins forces with Father Dante, another student, to combat the demonic influence afflicting a young girl, Natalie. Sister Ann’s journey is fraught with harrowing visions, opposition, and a personal connection to the demon she faces – one that tormented her mother years ago.
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The cast of Prey for the Devil
- Jacqueline Byers as Sister Ann – The protagonist, a nun who trains as an exorcist.
- Colin Salmon as Father Quinn – A key figure in Sister Ann’s training.
- Christian Navarro as Father Dante – A fellow student and ally to Sister Ann.
- Lisa Palfrey as Sister Euphemia – Another character in the religious setting.
- Nicholas Ralph as Father Raymond – Part of the church’s clergy.
- Posy Taylor as Natalie – The young girl believed to be possessed.
- Ben Cross as Cardinal Matthews – A high-ranking clergy member.
- Virginia Madsen as Dr. Peters – A character who plays a role in the unfolding events.
Production
Originally announced as “The Devil’s Light” in 2019, the screenplay by Robert Zappia changed, including directorship shifting to Daniel Stamm. Filming occurred in Sofia, Bulgaria, during the summer of 2020, marked by the unfortunate passing of actor Ben Cross shortly after completing his role.
Reception
“Prey for the Devil” had a modest box office performance, grossing over $44 million worldwide. Despite this, the film received lukewarm critical reception, with criticisms focusing on its adherence to genre clichés and lack of innovation in the exorcism narrative.
Cultural Impact
The film’s exploration of exorcism, a recurrent theme in horror cinema, offers a contemporary take with its focus on a female protagonist challenging traditional ecclesiastical norms. While not based on a true story, “Prey for the Devil” taps into the universal fears of the unknown and the unseen forces that may lurk within us.
Conclusion
“Prey for the Devil,” while not groundbreaking in the horror genre, presents a compelling narrative of faith, inner demons, and the battle between good and evil. Its portrayal of a nun stepping into the traditionally male-dominated realm of exorcism adds a fresh perspective to the exorcism sub-genre. Despite mixed reviews, it provides horror enthusiasts with a blend of psychological terror and spiritual introspection.
