One might say a film about an exorcism is overplayed. The same jump scares, the same build-ups, the same vulgar concepts, and the same old aesthetics that go along with the idea of the priests seem to be a pattern in these films. Though it may be true in most films, there are exceptions.
Hitting theaters on June 6, 2025 through XYZ films, The Ritual, starring Al Pacino (The Godfather 1972, Scarface 1983), Dan Stevens (Downtown Abbey series, Beauty and The Beast 2017), Ashley Greene (The Twilight Saga, Rogue series), and Abigail Cowen (Stranger Things series, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series), tells the story of a young girl by the name Emma Schmidt who was allegedly possessed in 1928, and the two priests who were called to exorcize the demon. This film tells the true story of a pivotal moment in history (one that inspired William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel The Exorcist and the 1973 classic film of the same title directed by William Friedkin) that changed the lives of two priests and Emma.
Directed by David Midell (NightLights 2014, The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlin 2019), The Ritual takes on a different approach to the actual exorcism. Whereas there are few interactions between the priest and the person being possessed in many other films, this one portrays the relationship between the possessed and the priest. Midell presents the audience with the empathetic and sympathetic sides of the priests and the possessed. He delves in depth into the spiritual warfare of the priests and examines the morality of exorcism. He gives the audience a chance to connect with the possessed on a more emotional level, rather than that of a terrifying monster. He makes the audience feel for Emma.
Though the real star of The Ritual leans more on Stevens’ character, Pacino seems to steal the light when on screen. One might say that Pacino makes a real, believable priest in his old age. Pacino’s portrayal of Father Theophilus Riesinger is both fascinating and sure to hold the audience’s attention. Stevens, as Father Joseph Steiger, and his ability to capture empathy and sympathy from the audience are also noteworthy.
Additionally, Abigail Cowen’s portrayal of Emma is quite astounding. She does not play the typical vicious flying off the bed and running around like a crazed chimpanzee, as most characters do in other films; instead, she gives a more subtle and darker, underlying performance of the possessed, which makes the idea of being possessed more frightening.
All of this in mind, visuals for The Ritual are a bit off-key. Although the film offers great angles, consistently zooming in and out can be annoying and occasionally pull the audience out of the story, prompting questions like “Why is the zoom so in and out?” or “Am I missing something here?” This is somewhat distracting from the storyline. Furthermore, the melancholy lighting and the ambience of the overall film were excellent and really helped create that feeling of uneasiness and despair. The overall dark undertone was a critical element of the film.
Whether you believe in the supernatural or possessed, The Ritual tells a story that several people believed in and experienced. Thanks to an excellent cast, lighting, and story, The Ritual is exceptionally intriguing. That is why Cryptic Rock gives The Ritual 4 out of 5 stars.
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