Directed by
Alejandro Hidalgo
Made by
Saban Films
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Exorcism of God (2022). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
In 2003, Father Peter Williams, an American priest serving in Mexico, is called upon to conduct an exorcism on a young woman named Magali Velasquez. During this intense ritual, things take a terrifying turn—Peter loses control, and for a brief moment, the demon within the young woman overwhelms him. Although the full implications of that encounter remain ambiguous, Peter persists in his priestly duties and immerses himself in charitable work within a small Mexican town.
Fast forward eighteen years, and strange supernatural occurrences begin to manifest. A lethal illness sweeps through the local children, and within the confines of a nearby prison, a young woman named Esperanza reveals her alarming demonic possession. Under the weight of these unsettling circumstances, Peter is once again summoned to carry out an exorcism, but this time, fear grips him as it seems his past is catching up. To make matters more dire, Magali reappears in Peter’s life with a shocking revelation—Esperanza is his biological daughter, and she implores him to rescue her at all costs.
Realizing he cannot confront this overwhelming darkness alone, Peter reaches out for help from Father Michael Lewis, a seasoned exorcist. As they brace themselves to confront the forces of evil, they soon discover that the demonic influence has extended beyond Esperanza, possessing numerous inmates within the prison walls. The situation escalates, and the priests find themselves overpowered, forced to barricade themselves in a room as chaos unfolds outside.
During this frantic struggle, Father Lewis begins to question Peter’s unsuccessful prayers and whether he harbors any unconfessed sins. This line of questioning leads to a harrowing confession from Peter: during the botched exorcism years ago, not only was he overtaken by the demon, but under its seductive hold, he engaged in a forbidden act with Magali, resulting in Esperanza’s birth. This shocking truth rocks Father Lewis to his core as he reveals his own secret—he never truly vanquished the demon Balban in their previous encounter but instead struck a sinister deal with it.
However, before Father Lewis can provide further guidance, he is mortally injured by one of the infested inmates. In his dying moments, he warns Peter against ever making another pact with Balban. Driven by guilt and the desire for redemption, Peter records a video confession, hoping to seek forgiveness from the Church. Yet, his plans come crashing down when the possessed inmates launch an attack, leaving him unconscious.
Peter’s awakening is terrifying; he finds himself restrained amid the throngs of the possessed and Esperanza, now completely under Balban’s sinister control. The demon and its followers embark on a ritual meant to sever Peter’s ties to God. As he fights to exorcise the demon from his daughter, Balban shows him a harrowing sight—children in the church are dying, one by one, because of his defiance. The demon then presents Peter with a heart-wrenching dilemma: he must choose between saving the children, saving his daughter, or giving up his divine connection altogether.
In a moment filled with tragic sacrifice, Peter chooses to abandon his faith, yielding to Balban and allowing the demon to fully possess him. As he succumbs to the dark force, it declares its victory over him. In this haunting transformation, Peter is last seen with a twisted, demonic grin, his soul seemingly condemned. The film concludes on a chilling note, casting uncertainty on the fates of those around him and the world at large, leaving the audience with an unsettling feeling of dread.
Follow the complete movie timeline of The Exorcism of God (2022) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Father Peter's Call
In 2003, Father Peter Williams, an American priest, is called to Mexico to perform an exorcism on a woman named Magali Velasquez. This significant moment sets the stage for Peter's challenging journey into the supernatural.
The Failed Exorcism
During the exorcism ceremony, something goes drastically wrong, and Peter appears to lose control while battling the demon. This moment leaves Peter with an ambiguous aftermath that haunts him in the years to come.
Peter's Dedication to Charity
Despite the traumatic events of the exorcism, Peter continues to serve as a priest, dedicating himself to charitable works in a small Mexican town. He attempts to find redemption through his good deeds, but the shadows of his past loom large.
Supernatural Disturbances Emerge
Eighteen years after the exorcism, strange supernatural disturbances start affecting the town. A deadly illness spreads among the children, signaling that dark forces are once again at play.
Encounter with Esperanza
A young woman named Esperanza, who is incarcerated, begins to show signs of violent demonic possession. Peter is called back to exorcise the demon, but the encounter stirs unsettling memories of his past.
The Shocking Revelation
Magali Velasquez approaches Peter with a shocking twist—Esperanza is revealed to be his biological daughter. This revelation forces Peter to confront his buried guilt and the urgency to save her.
Seeking Help
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Peter reaches out to Father Michael Lewis, an experienced exorcist, to assist him. The stakes are high, and Peter realizes he cannot face the impending evil alone.
Inmates Possessed
As the priests prepare for the exorcism, they discover that the demon has spread its influence, possessing multiple inmates within the prison. The situation becomes dire as the priests are overpowered and forced to fight for their survival.
Peter's Confession
In a moment of desperation, Father Lewis queries why Peter's prayers are ineffective. This leads Peter to reveal his dark secret of past possession and seduction during the ill-fated exorcism of Magali.
Father Lewis's Dark Secret
Before he can offer support, Father Lewis reveals his own buried secret: he never truly defeated the demon Balban but instead made a deal with it. This confession deepens the tension between the two priests as they struggle with their dark pasts.
Father Lewis's Fate
Tragically, Father Lewis is fatally wounded by one of the possessed inmates during their struggle. With his last breath, he warns Peter never to make a deal with Balban, emphasizing the dire nature of their situation.
Video Confession
Determined to seek redemption, Peter records a video confession and sends it to the Church. He hopes that by admitting his sins, he can find a way to atone for his past failures, but dark forces are quickly drawing near.
The Attack of the Possessed
Before Peter can act on his confession, he is ambushed by the possessed inmates, leaving him unconscious. The chaos intensifies as he finds himself surrounded by evil once again.
Ritual of Darkness
Peter regains consciousness to find himself restrained with Esperanza now fully under Balban’s control. The demon initiates a ritual intended to cut Peter’s ties with God, raising the stakes even further.
Tragic Sacrifice
Faced with an agonizing choice, Peter ultimately chooses to renounce his faith to save his daughter, becoming possessed by Balban. This tragic act brings his journey to a haunting conclusion, as he succumbs to darkness.
Explore all characters from The Exorcism of God (2022). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Father Peter Williams
Father Peter is a complex character marked by guilt and inner turmoil stemming from his past. As an American priest in Mexico, he grapples with the harrowing consequences of a failed exorcism and the shocking revelation about his daughter. His journey is one of redemption as he faces the manifestations of his sins and the overwhelming weight of responsibility.
Father Michael Lewis
Father Michael is an experienced exorcist who brings a sense of gravity to the unfolding events. He serves as Peter's confidant and support, yet also challenges him to confront his past. His own dark secrets and fatal flaws contribute to the tension and drama of the story, revealing the complexities of his character.
Magali
Magali is initially seen as the catalyst of Peter's torment due to her role in the failed exorcism. Her character embodies the theme of possession, as she is both a victim and a pivotal figure in Peter's dark past. The revelation of her connection to Esperanza adds layers to her significance within the narrative.
Esperanza
Esperanza is a young woman caught in the throes of demonic possession, representing the consequence of Peter's past actions. As his biological daughter, her plight personalizes Peter's struggle, forcing him to confront his failures while deepening the emotional stakes of the exorcism. Her character becomes a symbol of hope amidst despair.
Learn where and when The Exorcism of God (2022) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
2003, 2021
The narrative spans from 2003, when the initial exorcism attempt occurs, to 2021, eighteen years later, showcasing deteriorating conditions in the town as supernatural events unfold. During this time, themes of guilt and unresolved trauma play a significant role, particularly as Father Peter faces the consequences of past actions that haunt him throughout the story.
Location
Mexico, a small Mexican town, local prison
The movie takes place in Mexico, primarily in a small town characterized by its close-knit community and the struggles that come with it. A local prison serves as a crucial setting, housing inmates who become pivotal in the unfolding chaos surrounding demonic possession. This backdrop highlights the intersection of everyday life and the supernatural.
Discover the main themes in The Exorcism of God (2022). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Possession
The central theme of the film revolves around demonic possession, exploring its impact on individuals and their relationships. Father Peter's struggle against the demon Balban represents the broader battle between good and evil. The theme highlights the psychological and spiritual ramifications of these encounters, impacting not only Peter but also the lives of those around him.
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Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a critical theme, culminating in Father's Peter's heart-wrenching decision at the climax of the film. He ultimately chooses to renounce his faith to save his daughter and the children in the town. This tragic decision illustrates the depths of parental love, as well as the extreme lengths one might go to in the face of overwhelming adversity.
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Secrets
Secrets unfold throughout the narrative, revealing dark truths about the characters' pasts. As Peter confronts his own hidden sins and the reality of his relationship with Magali and Esperanza, the theme emphasizes how past actions can poison the present. The uncovering of these secrets drives the plot and deepens the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters.
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