Introducing The Devil’s Light (2022)

Dive into the chilling world of The Devil’s Light (also released as Prey for the Devil), a 2022 American supernatural horror film that brings a fresh perspective to the exorcism subgenre. Directed by Daniel Stamm (The Last Exorcism) and written by Robert Zappia (Halloween H20), this Lionsgate and Gold Circle Entertainment production explores demonic possession through the lens of a young nun challenging the Catholic Church’s traditions. Starring Jacqueline Byers, Colin Salmon, Virginia Madsen, and the late Ben Cross in his final role, the film blends psychological horror, jump scares, and thematic depth. Released on October 28, 2022, The Devil’s Light offers a gripping tale of faith, trauma, and spiritual warfare that has sparked debate among horror fans and critics alike.

Plot Overview

The Devil’s Light centers on Sister Ann (Jacqueline Byers), a 25-year-old nun who believes her calling is to perform exorcisms, despite the Catholic Church’s rule that only priests can conduct the Rite of Exorcism. Set against a global surge in demonic possessions, the Church reopens exorcism schools, and Sister Ann, recognized for her unique empathy with possessed victims, is allowed to train under Father Quinn (Colin Salmon) at a Boston-based facility that includes a seminary, hospital, and dormitories for the afflicted.

Thrust into the spiritual frontline alongside Father Dante (Christian Navarro), Sister Ann battles to save a young girl, Natalie (Posy Taylor), whom she believes is possessed by the same demon that tormented her own mother years ago. As Ann confronts the malevolent force, she uncovers disturbing ties to her past, realizing the Devil has manipulated her into a trap. The film explores themes of guilt, faith, and gender roles within the Church, culminating in a twist-laden climax that sets up potential sequels while delivering a satisfying, if familiar, horror experience.

Cast and Characters

• Jacqueline Byers as Sister Ann: Byers delivers a vulnerable yet determined performance as the nun defying tradition to become an exorcist. Her emotional depth drives the film’s personal stakes.
• Colin Salmon as Father Quinn: A progressive priest who mentors Ann, Salmon brings gravitas and warmth, balancing authority with compassion.
• Christian Navarro as Father Dante: Ann’s fellow student, whose personal connection to a possessed sister adds emotional weight. Navarro’s sympathetic portrayal complements Byers.
• Virginia Madsen as Dr. Peters: A mentor figure, Madsen’s role is limited but impactful, providing scientific counterbalance to the spiritual narrative.
• Ben Cross as Cardinal Matthews: In his final role before his death in 2020, Cross plays a stern Church official, adding gravitas despite limited screen time.
• Posy Taylor as Natalie: The possessed girl, whose sweet-to-sinister performance delivers some of the film’s creepiest moments.
• Supporting Cast: Includes Lisa Palfrey as Sister Euphemia and Nicholas Ralph as Father Raymond, rounding out the exorcism school’s tense atmosphere.

Production Details

Directed by Daniel Stamm, The Devil’s Light marks his return to exorcism horror after 2010’s The Last Exorcism. Initially titled The Devil’s Flame (a 2018 BloodList script), the project was announced in October 2019 with James Hawes attached to direct. Stamm took over in February 2020, bringing a psychological edge to Robert Zappia’s screenplay. Produced by Paul Brooks, Jessica Malanaphy, Todd R. Jones, and Earl Richey Jones, with executive producers Scott Niemeyer, David Brooks, and Brad Kessell, the film was shot in Sofia, Bulgaria, during the summer of 2020 under COVID-19 protocols.

With a modest budget (estimated $10–15 million), the film relies on practical effects for its exorcism scenes, with CG enhancing demonic visuals without overwhelming the gritty realism. Filming wrapped just 10 days before Ben Cross’s death from cancer on August 18, 2020, making his Cardinal Matthews role a poignant farewell. The score by Nathan Barr (The House with a Clock in Its Walls) blends eerie choral elements with tense strings, amplifying the film’s atmosphere. Originally set for January 2021, the release was delayed by the pandemic, finally hitting theaters on October 28, 2022, and VOD on December 13, with Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K UHD releases on January 3, 2023.

Cultural Context and Reception

The Devil’s Light enters a crowded exorcism subgenre, following classics like The Exorcist (1973) and recent hits like The Conjuring. Its focus on a female exorcist sets it apart, addressing gender barriers in the Catholic Church—a timely theme amid ongoing debates about women’s roles in religious institutions. The film’s release coincided with a horror boom, competing with Smile and Halloween Ends, and tapped into global fascination with possession stories, particularly in Catholic and Latino communities, as noted on Reddit’s r/horror.

Critically, the film received mixed reviews, earning a 15% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (34 critics, 4.2/10 average) and a 38/100 on Metacritic, with reviewers like A.A. Dowd (Chron) calling it a “diet Exorcist” for its derivative clichés. However, audience reception was more favorable, with a 69% Popcornmeter score and fans on X and Reddit praising its slow-burn approach, Byers’ performance, and creative twists, like the demon’s use of guilt to control victims. Grossing $44.7 million worldwide ($19.8 million domestic, $24.9 million international) against a modest budget, it was a financial success, though its third-place opening weekend ($7.2 million) trailed Black Adam.

Why Watch The Devil’s Light?

• Fresh Perspective: A female-led exorcism story challenges genre norms, offering a nuanced take on faith and gender.
• Strong Performances: Jacqueline Byers and Posy Taylor deliver standout turns, with Navarro and Salmon adding emotional depth.
• Effective Scares: Well-paced jump scares and psychological horror make it a solid Halloween watch, despite familiar tropes.
• Thematic Depth: Explores guilt, trauma, and institutional tradition, elevating it beyond standard possession fare.
• Ben Cross’s Final Role: A bittersweet tribute to the late actor, whose presence adds gravitas.

Addressing Misinformation

The film’s title shift from The Devil’s Light to Prey for the Devil caused confusion, with some fans mistaking the end-credits title card for a sequel tease. A 2024 X post falsely claimed a sequel was in production, but no such project is confirmed. Fan-made trailers and outdated release dates (e.g., January 2021 on IMDb posters) further muddled perceptions. The film is unrelated to Of the Devil (2022), another possession horror. For clarity, check Lionsgate’s official channels or trusted sources like Variety.

Where to Watch

The Devil’s Light (aka Prey for the Devil) is available on VOD platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu since December 13, 2022. Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K UHD editions were released on January 3, 2023, available at retailers like Amazon. Streaming options include Peacock (with a subscription) or rental on YouTube. Check Fandango for occasional theatrical re-releases in horror festivals. Follow Lionsgate’s social media (@Lionsgate, @PreyForTheDevil) for updates on promotions or sequel news.

Final Thoughts

The Devil’s Light (2022) is a compelling addition to the exorcism horror canon, blending familiar scares with a bold female protagonist and thoughtful themes. While critics found it derivative, its strong performances, creative twists, and psychological depth have won over horror fans seeking a fresh spin on possession tales. Jacqueline Byers’ Sister Ann emerges as a memorable hero, and the film’s eerie atmosphere makes it a perfect spooky-season watch. As Sister Ann faces her demons—literal and figurative—viewers are in for a thrilling, if imperfect, battle against evil.

“The demon preys on the most devout because our guilt, it is the deepest.” – Sister Ann, The Devil’s Light