| “ | It was just the two of us. Our happiness filled this house. I continued my studies into the occult. I wanted to protect her from all this. Instead I created a fascination. We must be careful how our obsessions are passed to our children. | ” |
| — Father Kastner in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It | ||
Kastner is a former priest who played a key role in combating a satanic cult but whose personal choices led to catastrophic consequences.
Kastner's Role in the Movie[]
Introduction to Kastner[]
The Warrens visit Kastner after Father Gordon suggests they seek his help. Kastner, a former priest, is introduced as an expert on cult activities, particularly the Disciples of the Ram, a satanic group he helped dismantle. He is initially hesitant but agrees to assist after seeing the Warrens' evidence, including the totem tied to the case. He leads them to his basement, which is filled with artifacts and mementos from his time combating the cult. Kastner provides critical insight into the totem, identifying it as the work of a satanist and sharing a chilling story about the prosecutor from a past case suffering from a curse.
Kastner's Contribution to the Investigation[]
Kastner's knowledge helps the Warrens understand the mechanics of the curse. He explains the connection between the totems, the possessions, and the murders, emphasizing that the curse is designed to destroy its victims by compelling them to kill and then take their own lives. Kastner also reveals the need to destroy the altar powering the curse to break its hold.
Revelation of Kastner's Past[]
Lorraine returns to Kastner later in the film to seek further help. He reveals a dark secret: his daughter, Isla, is the Occultist behind the murders and possessions. Kastner confesses that his efforts to protect Isla from the occult inadvertently led her deeper into it. His guilt is evident as he admits to keeping her hidden and enabling her to grow more powerful. He directs Lorraine to the tunnels beneath his house where Isla's altar is located.
Kastner's Death[]
As Lorraine searches for the altar, Isla confronts Kastner. Despite his regret and attempts to atone for his actions, Isla shows no mercy. She slits his throat, leaving him to die alone in the basement. Kastner's death marks the tragic culmination of his failures as both a father and a former priest.
Kastner's Personality[]
Kastner is a complex character, burdened by guilt and regret. His demeanor is somber, reflecting the weight of his past actions. He is knowledgeable and willing to help, but his reluctance to confront his mistakes directly highlights his internal conflict. Despite his remorse, Kastner's decision to hide Isla ultimately causes more harm than good.
Kastner's Background[]
Kastner was once a priest who successfully dismantled the Disciples of the Ram, a satanic cult. However, his personal life took a dark turn when he fathered a daughter, Isla, and struggled to keep her away from the occult. His failure to prevent her descent into darkness and his decision to conceal her activities define his tragic backstory.
Kastner's Impact on the Story[]
Kastner plays a pivotal role in the investigation by providing the Warrens with essential information about the totems, the curse, and its mechanics. His revelation about Isla being the Occultist and the location of the altar propels the story toward its climax. His death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of his choices, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
Kastner's Connection to Other Characters[]
• Connected to Father Gordon through shared involvement in combating cults.
• Becomes an ally to the Warrens, aiding their investigation with his knowledge of the occult.
• Father to Isla, the Occultist, whose actions drive much of the film's conflict.
• Indirectly connected to Arne and the victims of the curse through Isla’s activities.
Quotes[]
”I failed as a priest, and I failed as a father, please god don’t let me fail-.”
