Film Review – The Ritual

June 27th, 2025 | POSTED BY Allen Almachar

Another year, another exorcism movie.

At this point, we’ve seen so many films that claim that the exorcisms depicted in them are “Based On A True Story” that I’d be surprised if we got one that didn’t have it. From The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), The Conjuring (2013), to a little-known movie called The Exorcist (1973), we’ve had several instances of a demonic spirit possessing a human and the struggle to separate the two. The Ritual (2025) is no different. It’s the same song and dance. What we get has been done repeatedly and much more convincingly. In a strange way, the film seems to know this. It goes through the motions with such little interest at trying anything differently. It’s hard to get invested in a movie that doesn’t appear to be invested in itself.

If there is a draw here, it’s with our two lead actors. Al Pacino, as if you didn’t know already, is a legend in the acting world. And while Dan Stevens has not reached that pedestal quite yet in his career, he has more than proven himself to be an immensely talented performer himself. So, when you have two actors of this caliber joining forces in a horror film, one would assume that there would be – at least – some fireworks on display. Sadly, that is not the case. As committed as Pacino and Stevens are to their respective parts, the narrative does not give them enough material to dig themselves into. Their motivations are one dimensional at best and are not pursued to a satisfying conclusion. Even when we approach something meaningful in terms of character, we are immediately taken out of it because, well, there’s an exorcism that needs attending to.

Stevens plays Father Joseph Steiger, priest to a small Iowan church. Steiger has been going through a crisis of faith, with the recent passing of his brother rocking him to his core. Unfortunately, he has little time to mourn, as he has been tasked to participate in an exorcism. A young woman named Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen) has been exhibiting strange and troubling behavior. She has been brought to Steiger’s convent in hopes of alleviating whatever it is that is inside of her. Taking the leadership role is Father Theophilus Riesinger (Pacino), whose past experiences with exorcisms (as well as with Emma herself) has imbued him with a near obsessive determination to succeed. The main story arc features Riesinger’s steadfast resolve to continue “the ritual” no matter how long it takes, and Steiger questioning whether Riesinger’s methods are helping or hurting Emma.

Director David Midell (who cowrites with Enrico Natale) structure the narrative in repetitive fashion. We have Father Riesinger praying over Emma, who in turn starts to contort her body, speak in tongues, and vomit all kinds of goop in response. The cinematography makes extra effort to capture the faces of the assisting nuns, all of whom stand by in shock and horror. Father Steiger is meant to document the event and take detailed notes, but his shaky faith causes him to question every step Riesinger makes. Should they continue with the exorcism or is Emma better suited for medical attention? Whenever we are not in the middle of the process, we get scene after scene of Steiger in doubt. He doubts Riesinger, he doubts Emma’s condition, and he doubts himself. Riesinger acknowledges his conflicted state but pushes forward, insisting that they continue not only for Emma’s sake, but for themselves. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Part of what makes The Exorcist a classic is that it not only depicts the body horror of demonic possession, but the psychological and emotional toll of it. Ellen Burstyn’s character must stand and watch her young daughter suffer and be powerless to do anything about it. As a parent, that is the ultimate nightmare. That quality is completely missing from The Ritual. Steiger reeling from the death of his brother and Riesinger looking to amend the failures of his past are not developed well enough for us to connect to on any level. As for Emma, when we meet her, she is already suffering from her affliction. She is a blank slate. Whatever information we learn of her is told in passing like a book report. Abigail Cowen accomplishes all the requirements of playing the tormented character, from the vulnerable to the wicked. She twists and turns and does all things we’ve seen possessed characters do in other movies. But what is it about this situation that is different? What makes Emma unique compared to the likes of Regan MacNeil or Emily Rose? Just because a title card tells us that Emma’s story is the most documented exorcism in American history does not make her onscreen depiction all that interesting. 

The camerawork incorporates a handheld, shaky frame meant to give the visuals an immediate, documentary like atmosphere. However, with the quick zooms to close up shots and the constant cuts to character’s non-verbal reactions, the effect was jarring. It’s the same style used in comedy shows like The Office or Parks and Recreation. It was difficult to separate the style from the subject matter, so The Ritual had an unintended satirical nature. One little adjustment here and there could have switched this into a black comedy. That would’ve been a welcome change of pace.

The Ritual is not the first film to depict a well recorded exorcism, and it most certainly will not be the last. But when you have Al Pacino and Dan Stevens on your roster, the result should have been better than this. As it stands, the film is a sluggish, uninvolving experience. It’s a story that paints by the numbers – following a well-established blueprint. It’s not ambitious enough to take a risk or try something different. It does the bare minimum and nothing more.

Abigail Cowen, Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, David Midell, Ellen Burstyn, Enrico Natale, Parks and Recreation, The Conjuring, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Exorcist, The Office, The Ritual