---
title: "The Unholy"
year: 1988
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-unholy-1988"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 86680
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 102
community_rating: 5.4
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Unholy (1988) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-unholy-1988

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Unholy is a film first released in 1988. Catalogued under Horror. Produced and broadcast by Team Effort, Vestron Pictures, Limelite Studios. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A priest confronts a murderous demon preying on sinners at the moment they sin."

### Why Watch
- A concise 1h42m horror that pits faith against a lethal demon
- The premise of sin‑punishment adds a chilling moral edge

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film’s brief runtime may leave some narrative elements underexplored
- Tone & Suitability: Rated R, the film contains graphic violence and dark religious themes, suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: sinister, supernatural, grim

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-unholy-1988#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Camilo Vila
- **Networks / Studios**: Team Effort, Vestron Pictures, Limelite Studios

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Ben Cross** as *Father Michael*
- **Ned Beatty** as *Lt. Stern*
- **William Russ** as *Luke*
- **Jill Carroll** as *Millie*
- **Hal Holbrook** as *Archbishop Mosely*
- **Trevor Howard** as *Father Silva*
- **Nicole Fortier** as *Demon*
- **Peter Frechette** as *Claude*
- **Claudia Robinson** as *Teresa*
- **Earleen Carey** as *Lucille*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the main plot of The Unholy (1988)?
A priest battles a demon that kills sinners while they are committing sins.

### Q: What genre does the film belong to?
It is classified as a horror film.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately one hour and forty‑two minutes.

### Q: When was The Unholy released in the United States?
It was released on April 22, 1988.

### Q: What is the film’s MPAA rating?
The movie is rated R.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Unholy — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/86680)
- [The Unholy (2021 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unholy_(2021_film))
- [The Unholy (2021) | Facts - Facts | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/en/film/999469-the-unholy/facts/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*