Was The Rite Based On A True Story? The Horror Movie’s Inspiration Explained

The Rite states that it’s based on true events despite bolstering its exorcism scenes with predictable Hollywood melodrama, prompting fans to wonder how much of it is based in reality. It follows a skeptical seminary student in Rome named Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue) who must attend a Vatican school of exorcism in order to complete his training. He believes possession is the work of a troubled mind rather than demonic influence, but after becoming an apprentice to Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), he encounters a terrifying force under the tutelage of the veteran exorcist that causes him to question his faith.