The Exorcist may still be considered the granddaddy of horror films delving into demon possession. However, the topic remains a popular one with audiences, given the large-scale familiarity with the central concept and the inherent otherworldly terror involved.

In recent years, films like the The Last Exorcism and Deliver Us from Evil have tread this ground to impressive box office results. Now The Vatican Tapes hopes to capture the attention of moviegoers looking for a scare this summer movie season.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Movies, we have the film's first trailer, and the footage is just as eerie as one would expect. The Vatican Tapes stars Michael Peña and Djimon Hounsou as priests sifting through the Vatican's collection of exorcism videos to prevent the Devil from completing his master plan. Before long, they find themselves investigating a young woman (Olivia Taylor Dudley) who appears to be possessed by the Antichrist.

The Vatican Tapes marks the first solo directing gig for Mark Neveldine (Crank, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance), and if nothing else, the film looks like it will offer plenty of striking visuals and perhaps a bit of the frenetic energy that Neveldine's previous films have brought to life onscreen. Still, despite the fact that The Vatican Tapes certainly has a built-in horror audience already ready to line up for tickets, the film - previously set for release in February - will now arrive in theaters during the same weekend as higher-profile releases like Tomorrowland and Melissa McCarthy's Spy, meaning it will face an uphill battle in order to reach casual moviegoers as well.

Of course, if time has taught us anything, it's that trailers are not always a reliable indicator of the cinematic experience a film will offer. Judging by this first trailer, it's easy to assume the kind of film The Vatican Tapes may be, but there's every chance that the finished release has some surprises in store for audiences. The fact that it is based on a story idea by screenwriter Chris Morgan (Wanted, Fast Five) is definitely a good sign that this might not be just another exorcism film.

What do you think of the first trailer for The Vatican Tapes? Are you excited to see the film this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

The Vatican Tapes hits theaters on May 22, 2015.

Source: Yahoo! Movies