*WARNING: inspired by true events only, this is not a true story and is still a work of fiction. Because these are based on true events there may spoilers in this review.

Inspired by true events, The Rite tells the tale of a young man who has lost faith in God and is sent by a superior priest to Rome to attend exorcism classes.

Michael Kovak ( portrayed by Colin O’Donoghue, better known as Hook from Once Upon a Time), works a mortician alongside his father. When that life is no longer enough for him he decides to runaway to seminary school. With no real calling and a only a few months away from taking his vows, he sends a letter of resignation explaining his lack of faith and his skepticism in religion.

His mentor at the school still sees potential in young Michael and decides to disregard his letter of resignation. Instead, he offers to send him to Rome to attend classes the train students on exorcism. Michael, still skeptic of the religion and not believing he is qualified to be an exorcist goes to Rome anyway. At least it is a change of scene for him.

When Michael questions the teaching at the Vatican, his father superior decides to send him to a local exorcist, Father Lucas Trevant (Anthony Hopkins). Father Lucas is as unorthodox as they come when looking for an exorcist.

Will the two face a demon that even Father Lucas is not strong enough to defeat? Can Michael’s faith be restored in this thrilling film?

I’m not one for exorcist movies, but this one chilled me to the bone and left me hollering at the characters. That, for me, is a sure sign of good movie. This movie was more about one man’s skepticism and finding his faith. I am in no way suggesting that someone needs to become an exorcist or be a Christian. I was only intrigued by Michael’s journey and his take on possession before he became an exorcist.

At one point, Father Lucas compares the Devil to a burglar or a thief. This became interesting to me. What are demons trying to gain by possession? Do they truly gain a person's soul and steal it from Heaven? Michael’s response showed how people in general are always searching for the proof or a reason for a situation.

“Gets complicated when no proof of the devil is somehow proof of the devil.” (Michael Kovak)

Anthony Hopkins puts on an amazing performance that had me riveted to me seat near the end. Colin O’Donoghue was something else. Born Irish, blue eyes and he lost his accent for this movie. His performance as Michael Kovak and his journey to faith was something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.