PREY FOR THE DEVIL – “Predictable with a paltry number of scares”

pftd

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: Daniel Stamm (The Last Exorcism – 2010)

MAIN CAST

  • Jacqueline Byers as Sister Ann
  • Debora Zhecheva as young Ann
  • Posy Taylor as Natalie
  • Colin Salmon as Father Quinn
  • Virginia Madsen as Dr. Peters
  • Ben Cross as Cardinal Matthews
  • Christian Navarro as Father Dante
  • Lisa Palfrey as Sister Euphemia
  • Nicholas Ralph as Father Raymond

SYNOPSIS

The Roman Catholic Church combats a global rise in demonic possessions by reopening schools to train priests to perform exorcisms. Although nuns are forbidden to perform this ritual, a professor recognizes Sister Ann's gifts and agrees to train her. Thrust onto the spiritual frontline, she soon finds herself in a battle for the soul of a young girl who's possessed by the same demon that tormented her own mother years earlier.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Predictable with a paltry number of scares, Prey for the Devil is sadly yet another forgettable entry in the exorcism film genre. It’s actually hard to believe that since the gold standard of exorcism flicks (The Exorcist, of course) came out all the way back in 1973, not one movie has come close to matching it in the past 49 years! The biggest issue with this film is its scattered plot and ultra-weak third act. To be fair, there is some great chemistry on display amongst the cast, including a believable dynamic between our lead heroine and a possessed little girl. It’s safe to say that you will like these characters and ultimately root for them. Unfortunately, the movie is littered with the cheapest of jump scares and some shoddy CGI. There are some moments of creepiness, and the director does a good job of moving the camera in ominous ways, but the rushed storyline and undercooked character development will lead to a very empty viewing experience. Even the “desperate to scare you” final scene is a lame one. Yep, Prey for the Devil will need all the prayers in the world for it to connect with audiences in any meaningful way!

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