Was The Rite Based on a True Story? The Rite Release Date, Plot, Cast, and More
by Ruksana | Updated Oct 03, 2023
Was The Rite Based on a True Story?
Yes, "The Rite" movie was indeed inspired by a true story. It is based on the experiences of a real-life priest named Gary Thomas, who traveled to Rome to study exorcism. Thomas' journey and encounters with the practice of exorcism served as the basis for the storyline in the 2011 horror film.
In the context of the broader theme of exorcism in cinema, "The Rite" is part of a trend where real-life exorcists influenced and became intertwined with the portrayal of exorcism in horror films. The connection between real-life exorcists and horror films has become a recurring theme, creating a unique interplay between factual events and cinematic portrayals within the context of exorcism.
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The Rite Movie Info
"The Rite" is a supernatural horror film released in 2011, directed by Mikael Håfström and written by Michael Petroni. The story is loosely based on the book "The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist" by Matt Baglio, which in turn is inspired by real-life events witnessed by Father Gary Thomas, an American exorcist-in-training.
The film stars renowned actors such as Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga, Ciarán Hinds, and Rutger Hauer. It was shot in various locations including Rome, Budapest, and Blue Island.
The Rite Release Date
"The Rite" was released by Warner Bros. on January 28, 2011. During its opening weekend, the film performed well, earning $14.8 million from 2,985 theaters and claiming the top spot at the box office. However, in its subsequent weekends, the movie experienced a decline in earnings, dropping to sixth place with $5.6 million in its second weekend and further falling to 11th place with $3.3 million in its third weekend.
Overall, the film grossed $33 million in the United States and Canada, and an additional $63.5 million in other territories, totaling a worldwide box office revenue of $96.6 million.
The Rite Plot
Michael Kovak, the son of a prosperous funeral home owner named Istvan, becomes disenchanted with his job as a mortician. Seeking an alternative path, he enrolls in a seminary with the intention of renouncing his vows upon completion, thereby securing a tuition-free college degree. After four years, during his ordination as a deacon, Michael decides to resign from his religious duties, citing a crisis of faith in a letter to his superior, Father Matthew.
However, a chance encounter with a critically injured cyclist, Sandra, prompts Michael to perform a blessing ritual and offer absolution before her passing. Impressed by Michael's composure, Father Matthew believes he is destined to be a priest and points out the increasing need for exorcists due to rising demonic possessions.
He advises Michael to attend an exorcism course in Rome, emphasizing that his scholarship could be converted into a hefty student loan if he leaves before completing the training, suggesting the possibility of freedom to leave after attending the classes.While in Italy, Michael encounters Angelina, a fellow participant in the course. He discovers that she is a reporter assigned to cover the event for a newspaper article in the Dominican Republic.
Father Xavier notices Michael's skepticism and uncertain faith and introduces him to his esteemed acquaintance, Father Lucas, a Welsh Jesuit exorcist. Michael visits Father Lucas at his residence, where he encounters one of the priest's patients, a pregnant, possessed 16-year-old called Rosaria that Lucas is attempting to exorcise.
She was later discovered to have been taken possession of after being raped and left by her father. Even after witnessing numerous paranormal occurrences, including the girl coughing up three long nails and speaking English with ease, Michael yet maintains his skepticism. Even more explicitly, she brings up Michael's most recent anointed patient and his dislike of his own father. Father Lucas has consistently declined to be interviewed by Angelina, so she asks Michael to pass along any information he learns from him. Michael declines.
Rosaria attempts to drown herself and ends up in the hospital. Father Lucas does another exorcism inside the hospital. Rosaria loses her pregnancy; the baby suffers a heart arrest and the mother suffers a serious hemorrhage. Father Lucas is disappointed because he believes he failed her. Michael then makes the decision to confide with Angelina.Father Lucas starts acting oddly after Rosaria dies. He is discovered by Michael and Angelina in the rain, sitting outside his home.
Father Lucas invites them into his home and, realizing that he is possessed, asks Michael to send Father Xavier so that he may complete the exorcism. Father Xavier has been in Civitavecchia for three days when Angelina and Michael are anxiously trying to get in touch with him and locate him. Michael makes the decision to exorcise Angelina by himself. Michael regains his lost faith and is able to make the demon reveal its name, Baal, after being chastised repeatedly by the demon and enduring a protracted battle.
He concludes the exorcism by affirming his belief in both the existence of the devil and in an all-powerful God. Father Lucas is free from the devil. Father Lucas says goodbye to Michael as he departs for America. After deciding to become a priest after all, the movie concludes with Michael getting a letter informing him that Angelina has written an article about the exorcism.
The Rite Cast
Actor/Actress
Role
Anthony Hopkins
Father Lucas Trevant
Colin O'Donoghue
Michael Kovak
Alice Braga
Angelina Vargas
Ciarán Hinds
Father Xavier
Toby Jones
Father Matthew
Rutger Hauer
Istvan Kovak
Marta Gastini
Rosaria
Maria Grazia Cucinotta
Aunt Andria
Arianna Veronesi
Francesca
Andrea Calligari
Vincenzo
Chris Marquette
Eddie
Torrey DeVitto
Nina
Ben Cheetham
Young Michael Kovak
Marija Karan
Sandra
Rosa Pianeta
Woman In Exorcism video
Giampiero Ingrassia
Doctor
Rosario Tedesco
Police Officer
Cecilia Dazzi
Nurse
Attila Bardóczy
Father Xavier's Secretary
Nadia Kibout
Ethnic Nun
Anita Pititto
Vatican Nun
Sándor Baranyai
Concierge
Fabiola Balestriere
Young Girl
Anikó Vincze
Katalin Kovac
Adriano Aragon
Italian Doctor (voice)
Peter Arpesella
Doctor (and additional voices)
Jasper Jacob
Priest
Nico Toffoli
Demon (uncredited voice)
Beatrice Zentai
Woman In Confessional
Where to Watch The Rite Movie?
"The Rite" is available for purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Additionally, you can also rent the movie on Google Play Movies, YouTube, Amazon Video, and Apple TV. These online platforms offer the option to either buy and download the movie or rent it for a limited viewing period.
So, if you're interested in watching "The Rite," you can find it on these popular digital platforms, making it convenient for viewers to access the film from the comfort of their homes.
The Rite Trailer
Was The Rite Based On A True Story - FAQs
Yes, "The Rite" movie was inspired by the experiences of a real-life priest named Gary Thomas.
Real-life exorcist Gary Thomas served as inspiration for "The Rite."
"The Rite" was released by Warner Bros. on January 28, 2011.
"The Rite" earned $33 million in the United States and Canada and an additional $63.5 million in other territories.
"The Rite" is available for purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube