Prey for the Devil: A Lackluster Exorcism Film
When it comes to demonic possession movies, it’s hard to escape the shadow of William Friedkin’s iconic film, The Exorcist. Unfortunately, Prey for the Devil, directed by Daniel Stamm, fails to deliver anything new or compelling in this overcrowded genre. It shamelessly treads familiar ground, mimicking The Exorcist’s storyline without adding anything substantial of its own.
A Recycled Plot with Minimal Originality
The plot revolves around Sister Ann (played by Jacqueline Byers), a nun who defies the rules by training in exorcism under the guidance of a priest (Colin Salmon). She believes that a young woman named Natalie (Posy Taylor) is possessed by the same demon that killed her mother. Despite this premise, the film barely explains the demon’s motives or intentions, leaving audiences grasping for a sense of purpose throughout the movie.
Prey for the Devil shamelessly borrows heavily from The Exorcist, with Natalie taking on the role of Regan MacNeil, Sister Ann mirroring Damien Karras, and Father Quinn resembling Father Lankester Merrin. While there are a few minor deviations in the plot, the core narrative remains painfully familiar. It follows the classic formula of a spiritual figure attempting to perform an exorcism on a possessed young woman, fighting against an evil demonic force.
Formulaic and Predictable Execution
Director Daniel Stamm fails to inject any thrills or surprises into the story. Every twist and turn can be seen coming from a mile away, whether it’s the lackluster jumpscares or recycled story beats from The Exorcist. The film’s climax is a beat-for-beat recreation of the original’s ending, with only slight variations in location and character survival. While The Exorcist remains a superior film that relies on atmospheric horror rather than cheap jumpscares, Prey for the Devil doesn’t even come close to reaching the same level of quality.
A Lack of Genuine Scares
Prey for the Devil relies heavily on jumpscares to elicit fear, but even these fall flat. Aside from one genuinely terrifying scene where Natalie chokes on her own hair, the rest of the scares are predictable and unremarkable. The film follows a predictable pattern of anticipation, a loud noise passing off as a scare, and brief relief until the next predictable jumpsare occurs. The lack of originality and failure to push the boundaries of the horror genre results in a forgettable viewing experience.
Released in a Crowded Horror Climate
Coming from a time when original horror movies are thriving, Prey for the Devil finds itself lost in the shuffle. With numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film finally arrives with a whimper instead of the anticipated impact. Despite attempting to capitalize on the Halloween season, the film fails to stand out among the abundance of quality horror releases in recent years. Its lackluster scares and recycled plot make it unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Underwhelming Performances and Poor Dialogue
The performances in Prey for the Devil are equally disappointing. While Colin Salmon and Virginia Madsen make earnest attempts to bring depth to their characters, the poorly written dialogue hinders their efforts. Jacqueline Byers, cast as Sister Ann, is unfortunately miscast, delivering unintentional hilarity in her dramatic sequences. This unintentional comedic element undermines the seriousness of the scenes, creating a jarring contrast that detracts from the film’s intended dark atmosphere.
Conclusion
Overall, Prey for the Devil fails to add any value to the horror genre. With a recycled plot, lackluster performances, and predictable scares, it struggles to make a lasting impression. Even its delayed release during the Halloween season cannot salvage its lack of originality and quality. It serves as a reminder that The Last Exorcism should have indeed been the last in a long line of exorcism films.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Prey for the Devil a sequel to The Exorcist?
No, Prey for the Devil is not a sequel or connected to The Exorcist in any way. It borrows heavily from the storyline and themes of The Exorcist, but it does not share any direct continuity.
2. Are there any standout performances in the film?
While the performances in Prey for the Devil are generally underwhelming, Colin Salmon and Virginia Madsen manage to bring some seriousness to their characters. However, the poorly written dialogue hampers their efforts.
3. Does the film rely heavily on jumpscares?
Yes, Prey for the Devil heavily relies on jumpscares as a source of fear. However, these jumpscares are predictable and often lack impact, failing to create a truly terrifying experience for viewers.
4. Is there anything unique or innovative about the film?
Unfortunately, Prey for the Devil offers little in terms of uniqueness or innovation. It follows a formulaic approach, mimicking The Exorcist’s plot without adding anything substantial or pushing the boundaries of the horror genre.
5. Can the film be considered a worthwhile addition to the horror genre?
Considering the abundance of original and high-quality horror films in recent years, Prey for the Devil falls short of being a worthwhile addition. Its lackluster execution and recycled plot make it forgettable in comparison to its more innovative counterparts.