ON FAITH & MEDIA | Dominion: The Prequel to the Exorcist

Home

Catholic News

Daily Features

St. Anthony Messenger

Books

Catholic e-Greetings

Parish Newsletters/Services

ON FAITH & MEDIA

View Comments

Dominion: The Prequel to the Exorcist

By
Source: Catholic News Service

Subdued yet somewhat involved prequel to the 1973 horror classic set in 1949 British East Africa where lapsed priest Father Merrin (Stellan Skarsgard), wrestling with a crisis of faith wrought by wartime memories of Nazi atrocities, rediscovers his belief to help a possessed native boy after an ancient evil is unleashed by the excavation of a Byzantine church. Sparse on horror gimmicks, director Paul Schrader's more cerebral movie is a marked improvement over Renny Harlin's 2004 gorier "alternate" version of the same story, yet, while thoughtfully exploring the nature of evil, faith, doubt, guilt and forgiveness, the ultimately redemptive, if at times dry, film is hampered by laggard pacing, shaky theology and narrative gaps -- not to mention some cheesy computer-generated effects. Some strong violence, including a graphic suicide, and several grisly murders and executions, demonic violence, a disturbing childbirth scene, a bloody medical procedure and a few racial slurs. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

Search reviews at CatholicMovieReviews.org

Thank you for your comments. Editors will review all posts before they are visible on the website.

blog comments powered by Disqus

John I: Pope John I inherited the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Italy had been ruled for 30 years by an emperor who espoused the heresy, though he treated the empire’s Catholics with toleration. His policy changed at about the time the young John was elected pope.
<p>When the eastern emperor began imposing severe measures on the Arians of his area, the western emperor forced John to head a delegation to the East to soften the measures against the heretics. Little is known of the manner or outcome of the negotiations—designed to secure continued toleration of Catholics in the West. </p><p>When John returned to Rome, he found that the emperor had begun to suspect his friendship with his eastern rival. </p><p>On his way home, John was imprisoned when he reached Ravenna because the emperor suspected a conspiracy against his throne. Shortly after his imprisonment, John died, apparently from the treatment he had received.</p>

You should lead by your example in family, among friends and neighbors, and with colleagues and coworkers or fellow students. Your examples should include putting community above self, placing respect for the dignity of others ahead of self-gratification, and demonstrating love above all.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

	When the Spirit Comes in Power
	Catholic evangelist Peter Herbeck describes the work of the Holy Spirit in the personal lives of Christians.

	In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan
	In 1219 during the Fifth Crusade, Francis took it upon himself to cross battle lines and reach out to Muslims.

	For Mothers (and Fathers!)
	Author Curtis shares personal stories and advice for helping your children find God's voice amid the messages that target them.

	New from Franciscan Media
	When the initial shock and pain of widowhood has passed, Life after Death can help you build a new life.

	The Month of Mary
	Learn what the Bible has to say about the Mother of God in Chris Padgett's engaging style.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Pentecost
	As Church we rely on the Holy Spirit to form us in the image of Christ.

	Armed Forces Day (U.S.)
	Remember to honor those in the service of our nation with your prayers and support.

	Reception into Full Communion
	Participate in welcoming those completing their Christian initiation and recall your own commitment to the faith.

	St. Isidore the Farmer
	This deeply religious 12^th-century husband and father was known for his love of the poor.

	Easter Weekday
	We continue to rejoice in the knowledge that the Resurrection is not just in the past, but is an ongoing reality.

Come find us at:

American Catholic is for Catholics, all Christians and seekers. Find Roman Catholic Saints, Minute Meditations, Catholic Church Questions and Catholic News. Post Prayer Requests and send Catholic e-cards. Discover Catholic Books, Catholic Audio Books, Catholic Videos, and a leading Catholic Magazine.