Lost in the Shadows: A Lackluster Pursuit in 'Prey for the Devil' (2022)

"Prey for the Devil" serves as yet another illustration of the formidable challenge that exorcism-themed films face in escaping the formidable shadow cast by William Friedkin's iconic "The Exorcist.

" The syntax for crafting horror narratives, established by "The Exorcist" half a century ago, continues to dominate the genre. Unfortunately, this horror-thriller adheres closely to the established style sheet, following a formula that numerous movies have trodden before, offering nothing distinctive. The narrative unfolds at a sluggish pace, and the attempted jump scares lack the desired impact. Despite generally commendable performances, the plot remains uninspired, leaving viewers with little to ponder.

Rather than delving into the psychological realm, "Prey for the Devil" directly addresses possession and its ultimate exorcism. However, the film fails to introduce anything novel, relying on recycled scenes and occurrences familiar from countless horror movies. Predictability plagues the narrative, with a direct trajectory that leaves little room for deviation. The movie lacks memorable elements, save for a few unsettling images.

The central character, Ann, a nun combating the rise in demonic possession cases within the Roman Catholic Church, finds herself at the forefront of this horror-thriller. In response to the surge, the Vatican establishes exorcism schools outside Rome, leading Ann to a Boston institution. While nuns are typically barred from exorcism rituals, Father Quinn recognizes Ann's aptitude and permits her involvement in a demon possession case.

"Prey for the Devil" unapologetically adheres to the established guidelines of "The Exorcist," neglecting to clarify the demon's motivations. The movie lacks any unique elements to captivate the audience, often prompting questions about its necessity. In a cinematic landscape where innovative horror films like "Smile," "Babadook," and "Hereditary" garner accolades, exorcism-centered movies face skepticism regarding their creativity, having exhausted numerous clichés.

Despite commendable performances by Colin Salmon and Jacqueline Byers in the roles of Father Quinn and Ann, respectively, the film falters in other departments. The recycled plot has reached a saturation point, resulting in a dwindling viewer interest. "Prey for the Devil" attempts to evoke fear but falls short, rendering it an ordinary film that struggles to make a lasting impact.