The Rite is a 2011 American supernatural horror film directed by Mikael Håfström and written by Michael Petroni. It is based on Matt Baglio's book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, which itself is based on allegedly real events with Father Gary Thomas. The film stars Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga and Rutger Hauer. Shot in Rome and Budapest, it was released on January 28, 2011.
Michael Kovak (Colin O'Donoghue), disillusioned with his job as a mortician, decides to enter a seminary school and abdicate his vows upon completion thereby getting a free college degree. Four years have passed and Michael is being ordained to the diaconate at the seminary. After ordination he writes a letter of resignation to his superior, Father Matthew, citing a lack of faith. Father Matthew (Toby Jones), apparently wanting to talk Michael out of his decision, attempts to catch up to Michael on the street. He trips as he walks over a curb, causing a cyclist to swerve into the path of an oncoming van. The young female cyclist, Sandra (Marija Karan), is critically injured and after seeing his clerical garb believes Michael to be a priest and asks him for absolution. Initially
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