Watch Prey for the Devil

Prey for the Devil is a 2022 supernatural horror film directed by Daniel Stamm that delves into the fascinating and terrifying world of exorcisms, centering around the struggle between faith and the forces of evil manifesting through demonic possession. The film stars Jacqueline Byers as Sister Ann, Debora Zhecheva, and Christian Navarro, bringing a fresh perspective to the exorcism genre with a focus on a nun's journey confronting hellish entities.

Set against a backdrop of a world increasingly besieged by rampant cases of demonic possession, the Catholic Church finds itself in dire need of trained exorcists to confront the growing epidemic. Reflecting modern changes, the Church begins to reassess its archaic traditions, particularly the rule that only priests can perform exorcisms, acknowledging that these dark forces do not discriminate by gender and that women might also possess the required strength and faith to face the ultimate evil.

Sister Ann embodies this change; she is a young, dedicated nun who demonstrates a unique empathy towards possessed individuals, a trait stemming from her traumatic and enigmatic past which shades her with layers of complexity. Despite the institution's existing patriarchy and steadfast adherence to protocols that bar women from the rite of exorcism, Sister Ann feels inexplicably drawn towards this particular form of spiritual warfare.

Sister Ann's conviction in her calling brings her into contact with a professor, played by Christian Navarro, who recognizes her potential and becomes a pivotal figure in her journey. As an instructor at an exorcism school established by the Church—seen as a direct response to combat the burgeoning evil—Navarro's character guides Sister Ann, bending rules and confronting entrenched dogmas to help her hone her gifts.

Within this environment, Sister Ann encounters a young girl named Natalie, played by Debora Zhecheva, whose possession case presents an extraordinary challenge. The girl's affliction stirs something deep within Sister Ann, creating a personal and intense connection that drives the novice nun to become increasingly involved, despite the Church's regulations and the danger it poses to her own soul. As Sister Ann delves deeper into the labyrinthine battle for Natalie's salvation, she unearths haunting echoes of her past that intertwine with the present demonic confrontation.

Prey for the Devil injects a psychological element into the usual exorcism storyline as Sister Ann's internal struggles and vulnerabilities rise to the surface, paralleling the physical and spiritual battle she's engaged in. The film explores themes of faith, redemption, inner demons, and the notion that sometimes the most potent battlefields are those within the human heart and mind.

Director Daniel Stamm orchestrates a chilling atmosphere with a crafted blend of suspenseful build-up and hair-raising moments of supernatural horror. The film allows the audience to ponder the characters' predicament and the reality of evil powers, pushing viewers to the edge of their comfort zone while also offering room for contemplation about the broader spiritual themes at play.

While relying on some genre conventions, Prey for the Devil also attempts to tread new ground by placing a woman at the center of a usually male-dominated narrative. The cinematic portrayal of a woman breaking through the glass ceiling of exorcism highlights not only Sister Ann's personal battle against demonic entities but also her fight against a patriarchal institution.

Prey for the Devil uniquely weaves together the threads of gothic horror, religious symbology, and the age-old struggle between good versus evil, with Ann's passion and commitment lighting the way through darkness. Also, the film probes the nooks and crevices of the human experience when pushed to the brink, and the resilience required to confront the obscure and often incomprehensible evil that seeks to corrupt humanity.

The combination of nuanced performances by the cast, the darkly evocative settings, and a narrative that aims to reshape an old genre through a modern lens, makes Prey for the Devil a noteworthy addition to the collection of films that dare to question and examine the perennial fight against darkness, both external and within.

Prey for the Devil is a 2022 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3 and a MetaScore of 38.