Kat Hughes reviews The Vatican Tapes…
The Vatican Tapes review
Ever since The Exorcist induced worldwide panic and hysteria there have been many films trying to replicate it’s eerie, scary formula. Unfortunately many fail, which isn’t surprising, as it’s quite hard to induce mass fainting and vomiting in an audience. The latest in the line of unsuccessful attempts is this week’s new release from Signature Entertainment, The Vatican Tapes.
The story of The Vatican Tapes is pretty much the same story as every other film that falls within the demonic possession sub-genre. Vibrant young woman Angela (Olivia Taylor Dudley) slips into a coma, when she awakens she’s noticeably strange. After a series of spiralling events Angela finds herself in a psychiatric unit where once more spooky events once more unfold. Her case comes to the attention of Vatican sanctioned priest Imani (Hounsou) who turns up to help rid her of her condition.
The story is revealed through a mix of closed circuit television cameras and your traditional narrative camerawork. This mixing of styles gives the audience member an omniscient view of proceedings. For once the audience isn’t trapped in the dark.
Acting wise Peña is as likeable as always though he’s had to tone down his more humorous nature, he is a Priest after-all. Hounsou isn’t in it enough for his character to fully form which is a shame. Dougray Scott is great as Angela’s worried father but it is Dudley’s turn as Angela that stands out. It seems that this is always the case with the demonic possession movies but Dudley proves that she can more than hold her own alongside the likes of Linda Blair and Ashley Bell‘s.
The Vatican Tapes is made reasonably well, with good production values. The inclusion of Hounsou and Peña helps elevate it above straight to DVD demonic possession movies but it’s missing that spark to make it truly special.
The Vatican Tapes review by Kat Hughes, October 2015.
The Vatican Tapes is in UK cinemas and on VOD platforms now.
