The new supernatural horror film, Prey for the Devil, comes just in time for Halloween. Here’s what to know!
We're deep into October now, and as the spooky season approaches, all horror lovers are undoubtedly getting ready for some new great horror movies with plenty of jump scares, blood, guts, and mysterious spirits, so why not also throw in there some demonic possession? Well, genre fans are in for a treat this Halloween as the new supernatural horror Prey for the Devil hits our screens. Directed by Daniel Stamm and written by Robert Zappia, we are being given something totally new this October with this brand-new supernatural horror.
We are all surely familiar with exorcism films, from classics like The Exorcist to The Conjuring and Annabelle franchises. Yet, we don't always pay attention to the fact that in these movies, it seems to be that females are typically the victims of demonic possession while the saviors are played by men. However, Prey for the Devil is bringing us something a bit different this October, with not only its leading protagonist being a female but also one who is doing the exorcising and breaking long-held rules. Pray for the Devil is essentially flipping those gender roles on their head and will hopefully explore more of the life of the female priest.
With Halloween just around the corner now, let's take a look at the plot, cast, and release date of the upcoming horror movie to get fans in the perfect spooky mood.
There is no denying that fans are ready for another solid supernatural horror film. The plot of Prey for the Devil follows the opening of a new school set up by the Catholic Church in a time of mass panic and a worrying rise in demonic possessions. They intend to train new priests how to perform exorcisms, and we meet young Sister Ann, who (although women performing exorcisms is forbidden) holds a remarkable talent.
The official synopsis reads:
In response to a global rise in demonic possessions, the Catholic Church reopens exorcism schools to train priests in the Rite of Exorcism. On this spiritual battlefield, an unlikely warrior rises: a young nun, Sister Ann (Jacqueline Byers). Although nuns are forbidden to perform exorcisms, a professor (Colin Salmon) recognizes Sister Ann’s gifts and agrees to train her. Thrust onto the spiritual frontline with fellow student Father Dante (Christian Navarro), Sister Ann finds herself in a battle for the soul of a young girl (who Sister Ann believes is possessed by the same demon that tormented her own mother years ago), and soon realizes the Devil has her right where he wants her….and it wants in.n response to a global rise in demonic possessions, the Catholic Church reopens exorcism schools to train priests in the Rite of Exorcism. On this spiritual battlefield, an unlikely warrior rises: a young nun, Sister Ann (Jacqueline Byers). Although nuns are forbidden to perform exorcisms, a professor (Colin Salmon) recognizes Sister Ann’s gifts and agrees to train her. Thrust onto the spiritual frontline with fellow student Father Dante (Christian Navarro), Sister Ann finds herself in a battle for the soul of a young girl (who Sister Ann believes is possessed by the same demon that tormented her own mother years ago), and soon realizes the Devil has her right where he wants her….and it wants in.
Luckily, when a professor notices her, he decides to disobey them and risk everything to train her. Sister Ann soon finds herself fighting for the soul of a young girl who she believes is being tormented by the same demon that had attacked her own mother years prior. Prey for the Devil also delved into the complicated and tricky relationship between Sister Ann and her mother. When Sister Ann realizes that her mother's depressive state is something much darker and more evil than she suspected, it's fair to say that she suffered some trauma.
Staring evil right in the face, Sister Ann does her best to fight for her mother and her love; but she soon realizes some similarities with the young girl and quickly understands that the devil has her wrapped around its little finger.
Prey for the Devil has an exciting and gripping cast bringing the story to life. The film's main protagonist, Sister Ann, will be played by Jacqueline Byers, who fans will also recognize from Bad Samaritan, Ordinary Days, Salvation, Timeless, and Roadies. Sister Ann is also shown in flashbacks of her childhood, where Debora Zhecheva plays young Ann. Zhecheva has appeared on our screens fairly recently in 2019 in Child of Wisdom, Stalker: The Curse of the Zone, Chornobyl: Trails of the Past, and the show Authority.
Father Quinn, who is Ann's trainer, is portrayed by Colin Salmon. The actor has appeared in three James Bond films and as James "One" Shade in the Resident Evil series. He also most recently played General Zod in the series Krypton. Best known as Billy Flynn in the original West End production of Chicago, Ben Cross will portray Cardinal Matthews. He will also be joined by Christian Navarro as Father Dante. Navarro will be most recognized by fans for appearing in Netflix's 13 Reasons Why, as well as 2016's Vinyl and 2015's Rosewood.
Lisa Palfrey, well known for her appearances in Line of Duty, Pride, and Guest House Paradiso, will appear as Sister Euphemia. Nicholas Ralph will play Father Raymond. The actor is best known for playing James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small. Rounding out the cast is Velizar Binev as Father Bernhard, known for his appearance in The Grey Zone, Endless Night, and Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing.
Fans will not have long to wait now before they can get their practice in for some exorcising. Prey for the Devil will hit our screens in a couple of weeks, only days before Halloween, on October 28, 2022. For now, Be careful; you don't know who around you might be possessed.
Sophie is a feature writer for MovieWeb and a University graduate with a BA Hons degree in Theatre and Performance from Northumbria University.
