The climax of the film occurs when Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), a skeptical young seminary student, is sent to Rome to attend an exorcism course at the Vatican. There, he encounters Father Lucas Trevant (Anthony Hopkins), a veteran exorcist known for his unorthodox methods. Despite his initial skepticism, Michael witnesses Father Lucas performing exorcisms and becomes entangled in the case of a young pregnant woman named Rosaria (Marta Gastini).
As the exorcism rituals progress, Michael experiences disturbing and unexplained events that challenge his rational beliefs. Father Lucas, who initially seemed unshakable in his faith, begins to show signs of vulnerability as the demonic forces at play intensify.
In the climax, the possession of Rosaria reaches a critical point, and Michael must confront his own doubts and fears. The battle against the demonic forces becomes increasingly intense, and the characters are pushed to their limits.
The resolution involves a pivotal exorcism attempt, where Michael must find the strength to believe in the reality of evil and confront the supernatural. The film explores themes of faith, doubt, and the existence of demonic forces in the modern world.
The movie concludes with a resolution to the immediate supernatural threat, but the experience leaves a lasting impact on Michael. The final scenes hint at the ongoing struggle between good and evil and the complexities of faith.
“The Rite” delves into psychological horror and the spiritual realm, providing a nuanced exploration of the intersection between faith and skepticism in the context of exorcism. Anthony Hopkins delivers a compelling performance as Father Lucas, adding depth to the film’s exploration of the supernatural.