Al Pacino steps back into the horror genre after nearly 30 years with The Ritual, a chilling film directed by David Midell, which follows two priests as they confront their own demons while battling to save a young woman from a powerful possession.
Pacino portrays Father Theophilus Riesinger, a priest who doubts his faith. Partnered with Father Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens), a man burdened by a troubled past, they must overcome their differences. Together, they are tasked with performing a dangerous exorcism on a young woman named Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen).
The film draws inspiration from Emma Schmidt‘s (aka Anna Ecklund) real-life story. This adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
The Ritual boasts a talented cast alongside Pacino and Stevens. Ashley Greene, also star Patricia Heaton, and rising star Abigail Cowen brings Emma Schmidt to life. The film is directed by David Midell, known for his acclaimed work on The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, which garnered a Gotham Award and NAACP Image Award.
The True Story
Emma Schmidt (March 1882 – July 1941) was an American woman whose possession and exorcism became one of the most documented cases in the 20th century. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Schmidt’s life changed dramatically during adolescence. She began exhibiting unusual behavior, including a strong aversion to religious symbols and a disturbing fascination with the occult. These behaviors intensified over time, leading many to believe she was under the influence of demonic forces.
On June 18, 1912, Ecklund underwent an exorcism performed by Father Theophilus Riesinger, a Capuchin priest from Bavaria, Germany. Subsequent exorcisms were conducted by Riesinger and Father Joseph Stieger in 1928 at a Franciscan convent in Earling, Iowa. These rituals were reportedly violent and prolonged. Ecklund exhibited disturbing symptoms, including levitation, speaking in unknown tongues, and vomiting strange substances.
Coming This April
The Ritual is a highly anticipated horror film that promises to deliver scares and explore deeper themes of faith and inner demons. Mark your calendars for April 18, 2025, and prepare to be unsettled by The Ritual from XYZ Films.
