Prey for the Devil

Facing a surge of demonic possessions, the Catholic Church reopens exorcism programs to train a new generation of priests. In the middle of this spiritual push, Sister Ann, a determined novice, steps onto the front lines alongside Father Dante. Together they confront a case that tests faith and nerves as they try to free a young girl tormented by a malevolent force. The mission forces Ann to rely not only on rituals but on her instincts as she navigates a system that prizes tradition. As the battle intensifies, the Devil seems to anticipate every move, pressing Ann to choose between safety and belief. As personal fears surface, Ann questions her own vows.

Directed by Daniel Stamm, Prey for the Devil is built from an original screenplay by Earl Richey Jones, Robert Zappia and Todd Jones; the 2022 horror thriller marks Stamm's return to religious supernatural suspense, pairing stark religious iconography with a contemporary urban setting. The supporting cast, including Jacqueline Byers, Colin Salmon and Lisa Palfrey, grounds the tension with solid work.

Worldwide, the film grossed about 37.7 million, a modest yet steady earnings figure for a mid-range horror release in 2022. Its performance highlighted solid international interest in demonic thrillers despite mixed reviews, and marketing leaned on the clinical ritual atmosphere and several well timed jumps.

Critics offered a mixed response, praising the tense atmosphere and Sister Ann's grounded performance while noting familiar exorcism tropes and predictable set pieces. The film probes faith under pressure, the ethics of exorcism training, and how belief can collide with doubt inside a rigid institution. It foregrounds a resistant, compassionate heroine who questions ritual authority and pushes her mentors to confront their own limitations, all amid a siege of sounds, shadows, and a relentlessly creeping possession.

Awards: The film did not receive major nominations or wins at prominent ceremonies, placing it among mid-range horror titles that drew modest festival attention but lacked award season impact. Still, it stands as a solid addition to the exorcism subgenre and shows potential for future installments.