Although Prey for the Devil falls very firmly on the “Virginia Madsen films I don’t really want to watch” list, I sat down to watch this one with a little bit renewed hope that it might not be as bad as it seems. Mainly because The Haunting in Connecticut had taken me by surprise, and in my mind they’re the same kind of film.
I was wrong – They aren’t the same kind of film – But, I digress.
Released in 2022, Prey for the Devil tries to put a fresh spin on the somewhat tired exorcism genre, blending the old tropes with a few new twists and a little slip of flair.
In this world, demonic possession has become so prevalent that the Catholic Church reopens schools for teaching exorcism rites. Typically, nuns aren’t permitted to perform exorcisms, let alone be trained in them, but Sister Ann (Jacqueline Byers) catches the eye of Father Quinn (Colin Salmon), who sees potential in her and agrees to abandon the old ways and train her.
But it can’t be that simple, Sister Ann’s investment in the exorcism world is personal. Her mother was possessed when she was a child, and she has never fully recovered from the trauma. It isn’t long before her quest becomes a little too personal, before you can bless some Holy Water she finds herself face-to-face with the same demon that terrorised her family years ago: quelle surprise
Virginia Madsen takes on the role of Dr. Peters, she’s a Psychiatrist who insists that most “possessions” are schizophrenia and adds an element of doubt, and perspective, to the supernatural goings on. She plays the role pretty straight, it’s sort of her Mum thing in a more professional setting. There’s a warmth to her that “gets it” when it comes to what Sister Ann is going through, and has gone through previously. It’s a small role, but she makes the most out of it and you won’t come away with any complaints about her.
Which is nice for Virginia, but what about the rest of the film?
Well. It’s… Not good. I mean. It’s – There is something in the film. I don’t actually think it’s that bad of an idea for a film, but somehow it gets lost with a lack of original thinking. It’s nearly good, but it fails so hard that it becomes hard to watch. It’s the usual stuff you’ve seen before and ultimately it lets itself down. It’s not that you’re angry at it, but you’re disappointed.
I wanted to like it. I was rooting for it, I wanted it to hit me with something that would make my jaw drop. But, it didn’t. And it could have, I know it could have. It was so close.
So. With a heavy heart, it’s hard to recommend this one just as a watch.
Availabilty:
Good. No problems finding this on DVD or Blu-Ray in whatever country you’re in it would seem. Also available on multiple streaming services depending on your location, or access to a VPN.
Trailer:
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