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The Ritual (2025): A Chilling Dive into America’s Forgotten Exorcism Case

In a cinematic landscape crowded with recycled horror concepts, The Ritual (2025) attempts something bold — revisiting one of America’s most infamous but often overlooked real-life exorcism cases. Directed by David Midell, known for The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, the film dramatizes the chilling 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt, a case that predated The Exorcist by nearly half a century.

At its core, The Ritual is not just another supernatural horror flick. It taps into documented historical events, bringing to light a case that has lingered in obscure Catholic archives and fringe paranormal lore for decades. The real Emma Schmidt’s exorcism was chronicled in a pamphlet called Begone Satan!, authored by the assistant priest involved in the ritual. This harrowing account described violent fits, demonic voices, inexplicable foreign languages, and disturbing supernatural phenomena witnessed over a brutal 23-day ritual in Iowa.

The film stars legendary actor Al Pacino as Father Theophilus Riesinger, the seasoned exorcist summoned to battle forces beyond human comprehension. His portrayal brings gravitas to a role steeped in religious and historical complexity. Opposite him is Dan Stevens as Father Joseph Steiger, a younger priest who embodies skepticism and the internal struggle of faith—a character designed to mirror the audience’s modern doubts about such ancient rites.

While The Ritual grounds itself in historical documentation, it also walks a fine line with creative liberties. The narrative unfolds within the confines of a secluded convent, amplifying the sense of isolation and dread. The director’s choice to focus on long, tense sequences of prayer and ritual — rather than cheap jump scares — aims to unsettle the viewer on a psychological level. However, not all critics embraced this approach. Some argue the film leans too heavily on familiar exorcism tropes, missing the opportunity to offer fresh perspectives on possession narratives.

Critically, The Ritual received mixed to negative reviews. Major outlets like The Guardian and The Daily Beast criticized its conventional storytelling and uneven pacing. Yet, within horror enthusiast circles, there’s appreciation for its attempt to faithfully depict a historically significant exorcism without resorting to over-the-top CGI or sensationalism. The film’s production design, led by San Antonio’s Grizelda Garza, authentically recreates the austere setting of a 1920s Midwestern convent, lending visual credibility to the unsettling events portrayed on screen.

Pacino’s performance, though divisive, stands out as a curious choice. His interpretation of Father Riesinger — complete with a deliberate, almost weary delivery — has sparked discussions about aging actors taking on roles that challenge both expectation and genre norms. Whether seen as a masterstroke of casting or a misguided gamble, Pacino’s presence undeniably elevated the film’s profile.

As of its theatrical release in June 2025, The Ritual remains a subject of debate among audiences and critics alike. It’s a film that invites curiosity about the real Emma Schmidt case and the historical accounts of demonic possession in America. Regardless of its reception, The Ritual underscores an enduring fascination with the unknown — and with the age-old question of whether evil is merely psychological or something far more sinister.

In a horror market dominated by franchises and formulaic scares, The Ritual deserves recognition for daring to tackle true events with a sober, almost documentary-like tone. It may not redefine the genre, but it reopens a dark chapter of spiritual history that many had forgotten — or never knew existed.

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