The Ritual Trailer: Al Pacino & Dan Stevens Try to Save A Soul

As a cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that XYZ Films has revealed the first tantalizing trailer for “The Ritual,” an upcoming exorcism horror film set to hit theaters in June. Starring acting titans Al Pacino and Dan Stevens as two priests, this movie tells the harrowing tale of a woman’s demonic possession based on the real-life 1928 case of Emma Schmidt.

The chilling trailer introduces us to Pacino as Father Theophilus Riesinger, an experienced exorcist, and Stevens as Father Joseph Steiger, a priest grappling with his faith. Together, they embark on a perilous 72-hour exorcism ritual in a remote Iowa convent in Earling.

The trailer skillfully weaves ominous imagery of supernatural occurrences and terrifying body contortions by Abigail Cowen as the tormented Emma Schmidt, building an atmosphere of mounting anxiety while highlighting the priests’ unwavering resolve to combat demonic forces. With “The Ritual” being one of the most eagerly awaited horror movies of 2025, it’s easy to see why it’s generating such excitement among horror enthusiasts like myself.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but feel a shiver down my spine as Al Pacino’s voice echoes in the trailer, ominously warning, “The Devil will stop at nothing to thwart our efforts. We must stand firm… and push back the shadows.” The footage that follows presents a chilling glimpse into the very heart of darkness – a convent where an exorcism unfolds. Here, sacred symbols are twisted by malevolent forces, and the agonizing transformation of Emma Schmidt under demonic control is painfully clear. This teaser hints at a story that delves deep into both the supernatural horrors of possession and the mental torment experienced by all those entangled, with a keen focus on the starkly different methods employed by the two priests: one, a seasoned exorcist with a questionable past, and the other, a man grappling with his own faith in the face of indisputable evil.

Under the direction of David Midell and co-written by Enrico Natale, the movie The Ritual seems to be adopting a historically authentic approach within the exorcism genre, while serving up chilling horror scenes. The ensemble cast includes Ashley Greene, Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, and Patricia Heaton, but their individual roles are kept under wraps in promotional materials. XYZ Films is focusing on the “based on a true story” angle, with the promotional site theritualmovie.com providing resources about the real-life event that served as inspiration for the film.

The True Story Behind Al Pacino’s The Ritual

In my humble opinion as a film critic, the chilling narrative of The Ritual is centered around Emma Schmidt, a woman whose exorcism has left an indelible mark on American history, being one of the most extensively chronicled instances believed to be influenced by the supernatural. Born in 1882, her adolescent years saw her displaying behaviors that were eerily consistent with possession, such as violent responses to religious artifacts and inexplicable ailments. Despite numerous attempts at medical and psychiatric intervention over the years, Schmidt’s condition remained elusive to conventional treatments. At the age of 46, she was transported to Earling, Iowa, in 1928, setting the stage for a harrowing ordeal that would span months, ultimately climaxing in a grueling 72-hour exorcism.

In the movie, it’s Pacino who plays Theophilus Riesinger, a German-born Capuchin friar named Francis Xavier Riesinger at birth, who later moved to America in 1868. Known for his exorcism work, Riesinger was chosen by the Bishop of Des Moines to handle a specific case, such as Schmidt’s, due to his prior experiences. Father Joseph Steiger, portrayed by Stevens, served as the parish priest at St. Joseph’s Church in Earling and granted permission for the ritual to take place discreetly at a nearby Franciscan convent.

As per historical records, the exorcism proved to be incredibly difficult, as eyewitnesses described unusual occurrences such as violent seizures, speaking in unfamiliar tongues, and intense bodily responses that pushed the faith of everyone involved to its limits. The exorcism came to an end on December 23, 1928, when it was said that Schmidt was finally released from her supposed possession following numerous sessions over several months. This case garnered considerable attention after being detailed in a pamphlet titled “Begone Satan” by Reverend Carl Vogl, which was later translated into English in 1935. The case gained even more notoriety when Time magazine featured an article on it in February 1936.

In “The Ritual,” Al Pacino makes a notable comeback to the realm of religious terror, having previously portrayed Satan in the 1997 thriller “The Devil’s Advocate” alongside Keanu Reeves. At 84 years old, his involvement adds a weighty presence to the project, particularly within the exorcism subgenre, where many productions have emerged since the groundbreaking “The Exorcist” in 1973. For Dan Stevens, this role continues his diverse career path, following his mainstream success in “Godzilla vs Kong: The New Empire” and critical recognition for smaller projects. The film’s focus on faith and doubt through Stevens’ character hints at a potential depth that goes beyond typical horror, implying that “The Ritual” could blend supernatural frights with substantial character development.

The Ritual begins in theaters on June 6th.

2025-03-26 11:40

The True Story Behind Al Pacino’s The Ritual

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