“Do not rejoice because the demons are subject to you, rejoice because your names are written in heaven.“ (Lk.10:20)

In this life of strife and struggle, in the midst of a storm, the ability to declare victory is both counterintuitive and seemingly unrealistic to do. Yet, films and other forms of media that reinforce our capacity to cling to hope and recurring triumph, when discovered, must be savored.

Triumph Over Evil: Battle of the Exorcists is a perfect example of this. In theaters only on Thursday, October 30, it is a must-see documentary produced for all who seek truth in their understanding of the devil and how to defeat him with trust in God’s omnipotence and divine assistance.

Over time, mankind has learned that, due to the effects of original sin, both sin and evil are part of the human condition. However, can man wage war against the devil and win? Is it possible for him to do so without divine aid? Such questions and more are points addressed by Catholic exorcists across the world.

In this vein, Triumph Over Evil: Battle of the Exorcists is a meticulously created narrative distributed by Fathom Entertainment and Goya Productions. Within it, seven exorcists, including the renowned exorcist of blessed memory, Fr. Gabriele Amorth, share incredible insights about the existence of the devil, his wiles, and the Church’s strategy of defeating evil in the human person.

In an era replete with spiritual confusion, neo-paganist tendencies, and an unusual attraction to demonic knowledge and worship — whether knowingly or unknowingly — this documentary is an eye-opener and timely enlightenment for all.

It takes viewers through the raw intricacies in the process of exorcism. The re-enactment of real life experiences make room for a vivid grasp of the liturgical process and effects of exorcism rites.  

What I love most about this film is its depiction of the perpetual triumph of God, positioned adjacent to the intercession of Our Lady and the efficacious power of the saints. This, I believe is the crowning glory of the movie.

It serves as the most authentic representation of sacramental deliverance and exorcism in the Catholic Church. Additionally, Triumph Over Evil: Battle of Exorcists is the only approved documentary by the International Association of Exorcists, so this gives not only credibility for viewers, but also assurance that the counsels shared within the film are true, efficacious, and in line with Holy Mother Church.

Who is the Devil? Where Did Evil Come From?

According to the Church’s tradition, as shared by the exorcists, the existence of satan is a concrete reality. The movie shares primordial truths about the continual contention between God and “Lucifer,” which means “bearer of light.” The effect of Lucifer’s ambition and eventual fall from the beauty of God’s presence into the abyss has ever since rubbed off on humanity.

Personifying the triumph of God from the heavens down to earth, the film also casts our glance on the protective role of Saint Michael the Archangel, whose name means ‘Who is like God?’ Invoking the aid of the leader of the celestial court means we are continually aided by his protection and heaven as a whole.

The Existence and Wiles of the Devil

As Scripture reveals the enemy as the seducer, deceiver, liar, enemy of God and His creation, the film gives specific pointers as to where evil resides. The exorcists also share common tactics the devil employs to perpetuate evil through man and available resources.

From the narrative, viewers grasp the nature of the evil one. Unlike God, the devil is the epitome of hate — he hates God, himself, and others. Alongside other fallen angels, the source of the devil’s burning envy for the image of God in man is revealed.

Their mission, as Scripture says, in Jn. 10:10, is to “steal, kill, and destroy” the Mystical Body of Christ and all that showcases the image and splendor of God.

In that light, I believe the additional beauty of this movie is in opening our eyes to the spiritual undertones of events in our lives and the world at-large. It provides insights into several personal and external means through which the devil gains an open door into the soul of man.

Media and the Skyrocketing Propagation of Evil

Triumph over Evil: Battle of the Exorcists opines that a culture created without God breeds superstition. Thus, the growing fascination with magic and occult practices renders great concern for the Church. The exorcism experts also reveal several ways that social media has exponentially enabled these dangerous practices through pop culture and online resources.

With this in mind, I consider this film as timely spiritual aid to see beyond the enticements of digital traps and how to find our way back to trusting in the omnipotence and protection of God in union with Our Lady and the saints.

The Power of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation

As revealed in the docudrama, diabolical activity exists in varying degrees and are conditions wherein the devil establishes strongholds in the minds, spirits, and bodies of human persons. Following the examples of Jesus in Scripture, the ministry of exorcisms was instituted in the Catholic Church to dispel demons and liberate victims.

Without a doubt, this ministry is one that exudes the mercy of God. I believe it is also tangible proof of the power of divine grace, as it is not the exorcists who bring about deliverance, but God Himself who liberates through the exorcist’s work.

To further illustrate this point, Rev. Paolo Morocutti, one of the exorcists featured within Triumph over Evil: Battle of the Exorcists, states the potency of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation over exorcism. Several exorcists and clergy additionally emphasize how one good confession can trump several exorcisms. Jesus, working through the priest, renders purification and deliverance of the penitent, and can prevent them from falling for diabolical temptation.

The Terror of Demons: Mary and the Saints in Exorcism

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman…” (Gen. 3:15)

I found it insightful to learn about the effect of Our Lady’s presence and intercession of the Saints to crush the stronghold that the enemy has on souls. In the film, the exorcists shared striking first-hand accounts on how swiftly demons flee at the very mention of Our Lady’s name. Her Rosary is a nuclear weapon to defeat the devil and keep him at bay.

The exorcists also stress that the Saints, when implored in the Litany of the Saints, in their relics, or simple mentions of their names, are a horror to the evil one. What reason have we not, then, to employ the battering ram and the prayers of our big brothers and sisters in heaven to wage war against the forces of darkness?

Unanimously attesting to the power of the Most Holy Rosary, I see this film, premiering at the end of the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary and right before Halloween, as a timely reminder for the world to not just pray, but to savor this prayer to defeat evil at all levels. Through the lenses of the exorcists, Our Lady and the Saints are collaborators with God in the deliverance of mankind. This truth ought to spur us on to pick up our Rosaries, invoke the Saints’ intercession daily, and to persevere in it. Victory is ours!

In all, I believe that Triumph Over Evil: Battle of Exorcists is indeed a must-watch for all. It’s a call to be alert and equip oneself in the communal fight against evil. No one is immune from diabolical temptation, and both the armor and weapons we have been blessed with are ever-present and efficacious means to win the war.

Triumph Over Evil: Battle of Exorcists is in U.S. theaters ONLY on Thursday, October 30th. Watch the trailer here. Tickets are available at the Fathom Entertainment website.