Exorcist the beginning

East Africa, 1949. Having lost faith in God after a pivotal incident in Nazi-occupied Holland, Lankester Merrin, a former man of religion, takes part in an archaeological excavation site. But there, while still struggling with his inner demons, the once-pious Catholic priest is in for a shock when the baffling unearthing of a nearly intact, 5th-century Byzantine church leads to a terrifying series of inexplicable events. As a result, helpless innocents become vessels of pure evil. And as Merrin teams up with young priest Father Francis and brave missionary doctor Sarah, the doubting ex-cleric must confront the dark source of the ancient malevolent force to stop the spreading of the supernatural disease. However, can Merrin remain unscathed in the battle with humankind's unseen arch-enemy? Will the encounter with the forces of darkness affect Merrin for the rest of his life?