The Vatican Tapes (2015) Movie Review
An Unsettling Journey into Demonic Possession
Title: The Vatican Tapes
Director: Mark Neveldine
Starring: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Michael Peña, Djimon Hounsou, Dougray Scott
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Release Date: July 24, 2015
Runtime: 91 minutes
Synopsis:
“The Vatican Tapes” follows the story of Angela Holmes (Olivia Taylor Dudley), a young woman who begins to exhibit increasingly erratic and disturbing behavior. What starts as minor incidents soon escalates into a full-blown case of demonic possession. Priests and Vatican officials, including Father Lozano (Michael Peña) and Cardinal Bruun (Peter Andersson), are called upon to perform an exorcism. As they delve deeper, they uncover a terrifying secret that could have catastrophic consequences for humanity.
Review
Performances:
Olivia Taylor Dudley delivers a chilling performance as Angela Holmes, capturing the character’s transformation from a normal young woman to a vessel of evil. Her portrayal is both intense and convincing, making her the standout performer in the film. Michael Peña, as Father Lozano, brings a grounded and earnest presence to the story, while Djimon Hounsou and Dougray Scott add depth to the Vatican officials embroiled in the exorcism.
Direction and Atmosphere:
Director Mark Neveldine, known for his work on the “Crank” series, brings a distinct visual style to “The Vatican Tapes.” The film is shot with a blend of found footage and traditional cinematography, which adds a layer of realism and immediacy to the horror elements. Neveldine’s direction effectively builds tension, using claustrophobic settings and eerie sound design to create an unsettling atmosphere.
Script and Storytelling:
The screenplay, written by Christopher Borrelli and Michael C. Martin, weaves familiar exorcism tropes with a unique twist. While the narrative structure follows a predictable path, the film introduces intriguing elements related to ancient prophecies and the Vatican’s secret archives. However, the story occasionally suffers from pacing issues, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag on.
Horror Elements:
“The Vatican Tapes” excels in its depiction of supernatural horror. The possession scenes are genuinely disturbing, employing practical effects and minimal CGI to enhance the terror. The film’s use of religious imagery and iconography adds a layer of depth to the horror, creating a sense of dread that lingers throughout.
Streaming Services and Rental/Purchase Options
For viewers in the United States, “The Vatican Tapes” is available on multiple platforms:
- Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Included with Prime membership.
- Hulu: Available with a subscription.
- Rental/Purchase Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or purchase digitally.
- iTunes: Rent or buy.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Offers both rental and purchase options.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“The Vatican Tapes” is a solid entry in the exorcism horror subgenre, offering a fresh take on familiar themes. Olivia Taylor Dudley’s standout performance, combined with Mark Neveldine’s distinctive direction, makes for an engaging and unsettling experience. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of narrative innovation, the film’s atmosphere and effective scares are enough to satisfy horror enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a horror movie that delves into the darker aspects of demonic possession and the mysteries of the Vatican, “The Vatican Tapes” is worth a watch.
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