“It’s not just a possession. It’s a plan.”

Genre: Horror | Supernatural | Religious Thriller
Director: Daniel Stamm
Writer: Robert Zappia
Starring: Jacqueline Byers, Colin Salmon, Christian Navarro, Virginia Madsen, Ben Cross
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: October 28, 2022

👁️ Overview

Prey for the Devil enters the chilling world of exorcisms, faith, and the eternal battle between good and evil—but this time, it introduces a groundbreaking twist: a female exorcist in a system long dominated by men.

Set in a modern-day Vatican-run institution for training priests in the rite of exorcism, this film combines psychological horror, possession terror, and religious tension into a gripping story that explores not just demons from hell—but also the trauma and secrets we carry within.

It’s a horror film that’s as much about redemption and defiance as it is about fear and the supernatural.

🕯️ Plot Summary

As demonic possessions surge around the world, the Catholic Church reopens its School of Exorcism to train a new generation of priests to fight back against the darkness.

Among them is Sister Ann (Jacqueline Byers), a young and deeply spiritual nun who believes she has been called to perform exorcisms—despite the Church’s long-standing rule that women cannot officially perform them.

Recognizing her unique abilities and a past that links her closely to demonic influence, a respected professor (Colin Salmon) allows her to observe the training sessions and even participate unofficially.

Sister Ann soon forms a powerful bond with Natalie, a young girl afflicted by a particularly vicious demon. As Ann gets closer to understanding the possession, she begins to suspect that this isn’t a random case.

The demon knows her.

The possession is personal.

And Sister Ann must confront not only the demon tormenting Natalie—but also the secrets of her own haunted past.

👩‍🦳 Main Cast & Characters

• Jacqueline Byers as Sister Ann – A brave, headstrong nun determined to defy Church tradition to protect others and confront her own demons.

• Colin Salmon as Father Quinn – A seasoned priest who secretly believes in Ann’s potential and guides her through the exorcism rites.

• Christian Navarro as Father Dante – A fellow trainee who becomes an ally to Sister Ann.

• Virginia Madsen as Dr. Peters – A psychiatrist at the school who studies the psychological dimensions of possession.

• Ben Cross as Cardinal Matthews – A traditionalist Church official skeptical of Ann’s involvement.

😈 Themes & Symbolism

Prey for the Devil isn’t just a horror story—it’s an exploration of:

• Female empowerment vs. institutional tradition – Ann’s journey challenges the gender rules of a male-dominated church.

• Faith under fire – The film asks what true faith looks like when it is tested by both human and demonic forces.

• Generational trauma – Ann’s personal history is tied to darkness, and she must confront her own mother’s tragic past to face what haunts her.

• Possession as a metaphor – For grief, pain, mental illness, and abandonment.

🔥 Scares & Atmosphere

• Terrifying exorcism scenes with bone-twisting possession visuals

• Haunting use of Latin chants, religious iconography, and tight, claustrophobic corridors

• A rising sense of dread where every whisper and shadow feels alive

• A finale that blends action, emotion, and supernatural terror, with a twist that reframes the entire story

🎞️ Visual Style & Direction

• Directed by Daniel Stamm (The Last Exorcism), the film blends found-footage intimacy with cinematic horror tension.

• Uses low light, candle-lit rooms, and religious symbolism to create a mood of suspense and spiritual danger.

• The demon design is subtle but unnerving—less CGI spectacle, more psychological menace.

🧠 Why It Stands Out

While many exorcism films follow similar formulas, Prey for the Devil is unique for:

• Having a female protagonist in a role rarely seen in exorcism cinema

• Combining personal emotional stakes with global spiritual implications

• Challenging both the Church’s rules and traditional horror tropes

• Offering a climactic revelation that redefines the demon’s true target and Ann’s real purpose

🗯️ Taglines & Quotes

• “The Devil doesn’t fear the Church… he fears her.”

• “Not every possession is a punishment. Some are invitations.”

• “You don’t choose this fight. The fight chooses you.”

📣 Critical Reception & Legacy

Though it received mixed reviews from critics, fans of religious horror praised Prey for the Devil for its fresh perspective, compelling female lead, and emotionally driven story. Its themes of personal empowerment and institutional resistance make it more than just a scare-fest—it’s a spiritual thriller with teeth.