Prey for the Devil is a 2022 supernatural horror film directed by Daniel Stamm, which delves into the world of exorcism and the age-old battle between good and evil. The movie adds a new twist to the traditional exorcism narrative by featuring a female protagonist aspiring to be the first woman exorcist, tackling issues of faith, trauma, and spiritual warfare along the way. However, despite its intriguing premise, the film struggles to stand out in the crowded exorcism genre.

Plot Overview:

The film centers around Sister Ann (Jacqueline Byers), a young nun with a troubled past who believes she is called to perform exorcisms, despite the Catholic Church’s prohibition on women becoming exorcists. Ann is haunted by the memory of her mentally ill mother, who suffered from demonic possession when Ann was a child. When she begins her training at a Catholic school dedicated to exorcism, she is soon drawn into the case of a young girl, Natalie (Posy Taylor), who is possessed by a powerful demon. Ann’s deep connection to Natalie’s struggle suggests that the demon is personally linked to her own past.

As the possession worsens, Ann must confront her own inner demons and the secrets of her past to save Natalie and fight the malevolent forces threatening to consume them both. Along the way, Ann’s resolve is tested by Father Quinn (Colin Salmon), an experienced exorcist who both supports and doubts her readiness to face such evil.

Performances:

• Jacqueline Byers (Sister Ann): Byers delivers a strong performance as Sister Ann, portraying her as both vulnerable and determined. Ann’s character is driven by a deep sense of faith and purpose, and Byers does a good job of conveying the emotional turmoil her character faces as she navigates her traumatic past and the supernatural horrors around her.
• Colin Salmon (Father Quinn): Salmon’s role as Father Quinn is the steadying presence in the film. His portrayal of an experienced, world-weary exorcist adds a layer of gravitas to the movie. Quinn’s dynamic with Ann serves as both mentor and skeptic, reflecting the church’s hesitance to accept a female exorcist.
• Posy Taylor (Natalie): Taylor is convincing as the young girl at the center of the possession, delivering a chilling performance that contributes to the film’s eerie atmosphere. Her portrayal of Natalie’s innocence and the demonic transformation makes her a compelling and sympathetic character.

Themes:

• Gender and Faith: One of the most prominent themes in Prey for the Devil is the struggle against the gender restrictions within the church. Ann’s journey to become an exorcist highlights the barriers placed on women within the institution, and her persistence challenges the notion of a male-dominated priesthood. Her deep faith, despite these obstacles, serves as a core part of the film’s message.
• Trauma and Guilt: Ann’s relationship with her mother’s possession adds emotional depth to the film. The trauma of witnessing her mother’s suffering as a child continues to haunt her, and much of the story revolves around Ann’s internal battle with guilt and the fear that she may be responsible for the demonic forces in her life.
• Spiritual Warfare: As with many exorcism films, Prey for the Devil focuses on the battle between good and evil, emphasizing the idea that demons prey on human weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The film leans heavily into the religious aspects of this battle, with the power of faith playing a central role in the characters’ struggles against possession.

Atmosphere and Cinematography:

The film does a good job of creating an eerie, foreboding atmosphere. The Catholic school where much of the movie takes place is filled with dark, shadowy hallways, religious imagery, and a sense of isolation, contributing to the claustrophobic feeling of dread that permeates the movie. The use of dim lighting and tight framing heightens the tension in the scenes of possession and exorcism, immersing the audience in the supernatural horror.

The visual effects, especially during the exorcism scenes, are effective without being overly reliant on CGI. The transformations of the possessed characters are unsettling, with contorted bodies, eerie voices, and disturbing makeup effects that elevate the horror.

Strengths:

• Fresh Perspective on Exorcism: One of the film’s strengths is its decision to feature a female protagonist in the role of an aspiring exorcist. This adds a new layer to the exorcism genre and brings attention to gender-related struggles within religious institutions.
• Strong Lead Performance: Jacqueline Byers’ portrayal of Sister Ann anchors the film, and her emotional journey makes her a sympathetic and engaging character. Her determination to confront the forces of evil, both external and internal, makes for a compelling narrative arc.
• Effective Atmosphere: The film creates a dark, moody atmosphere that complements the supernatural elements of the story. The setting and cinematography enhance the tension, making the horror more immersive.

Weaknesses:

• Predictable Plot: Despite its strong premise, Prey for the Devil doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises. The film follows the familiar beats of exorcism horror, and many of the plot twists can be seen coming long before they happen. This predictability reduces the impact of the story, making it feel like a retread of other, better films in the genre.
• Lack of Depth in Secondary Characters: While Sister Ann is a well-developed character, many of the supporting characters, including Father Quinn and the other exorcists, feel underdeveloped. Their motivations and backstories are not fully explored, making them less memorable.
• Conventional Horror Tropes: The film leans heavily on well-worn horror tropes, such as jump scares and demonic possessions that follow a predictable pattern. While these elements can be effective, they don’t do much to differentiate Prey for the Devil from other exorcism films.

Final Thoughts:

Prey for the Devil brings an intriguing twist to the exorcism genre by featuring a female protagonist striving to break into a male-dominated religious practice. Jacqueline Byers delivers a strong performance, and the film’s atmosphere is suitably eerie. However, despite these strengths, the movie struggles to stand out due to its predictable plot and reliance on familiar horror conventions.

For fans of supernatural horror, Prey for the Devil offers an enjoyable, if somewhat formulaic, experience. It touches on themes of faith, trauma, and gender struggles, but it doesn’t delve as deeply into these subjects as it could have. Overall, it’s a solid entry into the exorcism subgenre, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the classics like The Exorcist.

Suggested Video for You: If you’re interested in more exorcism-themed horror films, check out The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), which blends courtroom drama with supernatural horror and offers a more nuanced exploration of faith and possession.