6 Horror Movies That Are Based On Real-Life Events

The Rite (2011)

This tale of demonic possession is based on The Rite: The Making Of A Modern Exorcist, written by Matt Baglio. The source material was adapted by Michael Petroni, and the film is directed by Mikael Hafstrom.

In the film: A mortician named Michael (Colin O’Donoghue) seeks a career change, so he joins a seminary with a view to renouncing his vows upon completion of his studies, to essentially gain a college degree free of charge. While in the process of resigning, however, a freak accident injures a passing cyclist, and he is called upon to administer absolution.

This experience leads Michael to study with Father Xavier (Ciaran Hinds) in the Vatican in Rome, with a view to becoming an exorcist. Father Xavier connects Michael with his colleague, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who exposes Michael to some very real exorcisms.

In reality: Author Matt Baglio, a sceptic, attended an exorcism seminar in Rome, held by Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, and met Father Gary Thomas – a parish priest from California. In spite of his scepticism, Baglio became an apprentice to the exorcist while developing his own skills. He eventually witnessed more than 20 exorcisms, performed by Father Thomas.