This modestly-budgeted horror film presents yet another adaptation of the infamous 1928 exorcism of a young woman, known by the alias Anna Ecklund, whose real name was Emma Schmidt (played by Abigail Cowen). Set in a nunnery in Iowa, the ritual was conducted by the elderly German Capuchin priest Father Theophilus Riesinger (Al Pacino) alongside local cleric Father Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens). The events were later detailed in a pamphlet titled “Begone Satan!”, which significantly influenced public perceptions of exorcism.
Unfortunately, the film’s screenplay, penned by director David Midell and Enrico Natale, lacks impact, settling for a bland narrative that emphasizes historical context over the gripping supernatural elements often associated with demonic possessions, such as those found in the classic The Exorcist. While there are fleeting moments of levitation and unsettling behavior—like Emma crawling up the walls of her grim basement room and experiencing bizarre episodes of vomiting and speaking in tongues—the film ultimately feels muted. Meanwhile, the nuns look on in a mix of horror and disbelief.
It’s somewhat disheartening that the filmmakers invested so much effort into the historical accuracy yet chose to portray Emma as genuinely possessed rather than exploring her experiences through the lens of mental illness and childhood trauma.
Al Pacino, in a surprisingly subdued performance, seems to approach the role with a certain detachment, adopting a Mitteleuropean accent reminiscent of his portrayal of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. Dan Stevens appears somewhat disengaged, seemingly eager for the film to conclude so he can return to the quirky roles he has recently tackled, such as a mad scientist in Cuckoo. Nevertheless, his presence adds a slight uplift to an otherwise lackluster film.
The Ritual is set to hit UK and Irish cinemas on May 30.
What do you think?
Show comments / Leave a comment