Lost Souls (2000 film)

Lost Souls is a 2000 American supernatural horror film directed by Janusz Kamiński, in his directorial debut. The film stars Winona Ryder, Ben Chaplin, Elias Koteas, and Philip Baker Hall. The plot revolves around a young woman, Maya Larkin (Ryder), who becomes convinced that a man, Peter Kelson (Chaplin), is destined to be possessed by the Devil.

Maya, plagued by visions and nightmares, is part of a group led by Father Lareaux (Hall) that believes they are fighting a hidden war against evil. She comes to believe that Peter, a cynical true-crime writer, is the target for Satan's return. The group attempts to prevent the possession, facing numerous obstacles and questioning their own sanity and faith.

The film explores themes of faith, doubt, and the nature of good and evil. It delves into the psychological impact of believing in demonic forces and the lengths to which people will go to protect their beliefs. The film received generally negative reviews upon its release and was a moderate box office success. Critics often cited the film's derivative plot and lack of originality as weaknesses. However, some praised the film's atmosphere and visual style, reflecting Kamiński's experience as a cinematographer.