Based on chilling true events, The Ritual stars legendary actor Al Pacino as Father Theophilus Riesinger, a controversial priest known for performing one of the most harrowing exorcisms in American history.
Set in 1920s Midwest America, the film dives into the spiritual and psychological warfare surrounding the case of Emma Schmidt (portrayed by Abigail Cowen) whose torment sparks a battle between good and evil.
Directed by David Midell (The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain), this period horror is inspired by the 1935 account Begone Satan!, and it doesn’t shy away from the gritty reality of its source material.
Pacino’s Father Riesinger is joined by Dan Stevens as Father Joseph Steiger, a younger priest skeptical of the ritual but drawn in by forces he can’t explain. Together, they face not only a possessed young woman, but the terrifying cost of faith, doubt, and human frailty.
The cast also features Ashley Greene, Patricia Heaton, Patrick Fabian, and María Camila Giraldo, adding depth and urgency to a film that blends historical drama with spiritual horror.
Shot on location in Natchez, Mississippi, The Ritual oozes atmospheric dread and old-world tension. With haunting cinematography by Adam Biddle and a chilling score by Joseph Trapanese, this isn’t just a horror movie—it’s a confrontation with belief itself.
The Ritual opens in theaters nationwide on June 6, 2025, just in time to kick off a summer of scares. Whether you’re a horror purist or just love seeing Al Pacino face off with demonic forces, this is one film you’ll want to watch with a crowd!
