Film Review: The Ritual | HNN

Film Review: The Ritual

Written and Directed by David Midell
Starring Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen & Patricia Heaton

In Theaters Nationwide June 6, 2025

Written and Directed by David Midell
Story by David Midell, Enrico Natale 
Starring Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen, Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, Patricia Heaton
Produced by Enrico Natale, Ross Marks, Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch 
Executive Produced by Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin, Alex Williams, Maxime Cottray, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Tyler Gould, Lee Broda, Jeff Rice, Meadow Williams, Chris Paladino, Tamra Bohorquez, Sharad Chib, Isaac Rosner, Cole Garson, Jordan Wagner, Jeff Holland, Rick Moore 
As the priest at Saint Joseph’s in Earling, Iowa, Father Joseph Steiger lived a quiet dutiful life, tending to his flock. In the fall of 1928, Father Steiger was approached with an urgent concern…

For years, 46-year-old Emma Schmidt had experienced frightening blackouts, aversion to holy objects, and other unspeakable afflictions. Her suffering was documented in medical evaluations, mental hygiene reports, and personal diaries. After extensive psychiatric treatment provided no relief, Emma’s priest recommended a more spiritual remedy: a solemn exorcism. A secluded convent in Father Steiger’s parish was chosen as the site for the ritual. Despite significant reservations, Father Steiger agreed to oversee the exorcism. Theophilus Riesinger, a mysterious Capuchin friar, whose previous experience with exorcism made him a controversial figure, was assigned to carry out the task.

With Emma’s arrival in Earling, a darkness began to around the convent and unexplainable incidents began to occur; through first-hand interviews, memoirs, and other forms of documentation, what emerges is a tapestry of dark forces, human frailty, and temptation that tested even the most steadfast of those involved. The months long ordeal that followed would push all with the convent, including Father Steiger, Father Theophilus, and Emma herself, close to the edge of insanity.

Finally, after a marathon 72 hour exorcism, Emma was freed from her affliction, and was able to utter the name of God once more. She lived out the remainder of her life in peace. The exorcism of Schmidt remains the most thoroughly documented, and widely publicized exorcism in American history.

Review:

The Ritual was directed by David Midell, and written by David Midell, and Enrico Natale.

We meet Father Joseph Steiger portrayed by the ever-so-talented, Dan Stevens from The Guests. The cast includes Al Pacino, Ashley Greene who was incredible in IT FEEDS, Abigail Cowen, Patrick Fabian, Patricia Heaton, and more.

The Ritual is based on true events. Father Steiger is preparing the church for Emma Schmidt (Abigail Coawan) to arrive at St. Joseph’s Church. The exorcism is supposed to be performed by Father Theophilus Riesinger portrayed by Al Pacino, just Google this talented gentleman, you can see the films, theatre, and so much more he has been part of.

I’ve been a horror fan my entire life. There have been only a select few films that bother me, and certain films bother me for certain reasons. Some of the exorcism films hit a chord especially when you have had a personal experience. We meet Mother Superior… Patricia Heaton. It’s great to see her in such a different role. Asheley Greene BURSTS through the door, and certainly makes her presence known. I could talk about IT FEEDS all week.

Dan Stevens is so talented, he brings mystery and life to his role as Father Steiger. Recently, we saw Annabelle the possessed doll out on tour. I think some times people see things and they think it’s funny or just something that happens, but when they actually see what’s behind all of this, the air changes.

Father Steiger is meeting with Emma, she moves slowly, and with purpose. I always adore the oh-so-slow pace of movement for example in What Lies Beneath, if you watch the movie, Michelle Pfeiffer moved slowly, and with caution. Each step was painstakingly leading her to a possible demise. This movie moves like that. It is not in a boring way, it’s the actors moving with purpose, the story being told carefully. I imagine because it’s based on a terrifying true story, they also took time, and my laptop keeps doing weird things so, it’s time for me to grab Rosary beads.

This exorcism is considered to one of the scariest and most notorious in the United States. Emma changes her name after all of this. Some of these films, you can feel essence as my laptop is doing strange things. I am genuinely used to and familiar with the “strange and unusual.” Horror has been a comfort to me; it makes me happy. The way the film executed, the care put into small details, I believe they did a lot of research.

As the start the exorcism again, the neck cracks start, the jerking body moments… *think Emily Rose contortion*. This demon seems rather calm. I know there are demons “with purpose” and demons that simply DO not belong… I rebuke, and SO DO NOT CLAIM any of this.

They didn’t want to restrain her, I think that might change. A young girl with the strength of HULK. Dan Stevens matches Al Pacino’s seriousness with a touch of light hearted behavior so well in this film.

Father Riesinger continues the exorcism with Father Steiger, and Sister Rose. Father Steiger has so many questions, Father Riesinger just delivers Shakespeare quotes. What is the meaning of life? Why are we here? Why do people get possessed?

They are just going to let her get up, and do what she is doing. The demon continues to speak, and it is terrifying everyone in the church. They genuinely go over everything when you have gifts, and how demons can latch on. It’s sort of like people going to see the demonically possessed doll but not telling people how to properly cleanse themselves. How to prevent and keep things like this from happening.

I would recommend watching THE RITUAL.

Maria Camila Geraldo, Meadow Williams, Ritchie Montgomery, Yadira Correa, Aaron LaPlante, Calvin Williams.