The Ritual

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The Ritual

Released Jun 6

1h 38m

Horror

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Popcornmeter

9%

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67 Reviews

54%

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100+ Ratings

Based on true events, The Ritual follows two priests -- one questioning his faith (Dan Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Al Pacino) -- who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.

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Critics Consensus

The Ritual purportedly presents a real occult occurrence, but the most blasphemous thing about it may be wasting Al Pacino's talents on a clichéd story with uninspired execution.

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Audience Says

A realistic portrayal of the exorcism of Emma Schmidt, The Ritual may please possession horror devouts and expel those seeking sleeker entries in the genre.

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Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

“The Ritual” avoids becoming boring by being brief — and also by casting Pacino, who is his own event and mystery.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jun 23, 2025

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Nick Schager

The Daily Beast

It’s not improbability that dooms this Al Pacino-headlined genre throwaway but a crushing lack of originality and a form that makes its clichés even harder to swallow.

Jun 15, 2025

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

I guess you could even say the devil is indeed in the details that this film puts on the back burner.

Rated: 2/4

Jun 11, 2025

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Jonathon Wilson

Ready Steady Cut

If this is how Al Pacino wants to pay his bills, I say fair enough. The reaction to The Ritual has been harsh enough that I’m left wondering what people are really expecting from such a movie in 2025.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 3, 2025

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Allen Almachar

The MacGuffin

It’s not ambitious enough to take a risk or try something different. It does the bare minimum and nothing more.

Rated: C-

Jun 27, 2025

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Whang Yee Ling

The Straits Times (Singapore)

This hackneyed demonic possession thriller is beyond salvation.

Rated: 2/5

Jun 23, 2025

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Josh L

I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this film. This movie is really more of a realistic ‘docu-style’ recreation of the actual exorcism itself and the 6 day journey of experiences and the psychological and spiritual impact it had on those involved, than it is some typical ‘horror’ style popcorn film . Al Pacino gives a really great performance here that’s nuanced and grounded and he brought a real sense of spiritual humanity to the real life character. Dan and the rest of the cast are really great as well. The movie wasn’t really scary, but more sad actually because of the pain and suffering Emma went thru. It’s also worthy to note that this film and the writing really focused more on the spiritual aspect of the events and God’s true power over evil and how important faith really is in all of our lives. The shaky cam style photography isn’t my favorite, but it serves the docu-style look that the director clearly was going for.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/14/25

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Elaine

A true event that wakes you up to the powers and principalities of this world.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/13/25

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Jennifer

Fantastic film, true to Catholic faith as well

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/12/25

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Clinton

This isn’t a exorcist movie. This movie is a joke. I almost walked out. Boring

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

06/29/25

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christopher b

This film was genericAF. I’d like to know why films like this even get made. Do these generic films appeal to religious folks?

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

06/10/25

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Brian

Very well done. Not as over sensationalized as most of the other exorcism films that have been made. The film was intense throughout. The power of Faith came through in the film. God always wins in the end. Christ is King!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

Full Review

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David Midell

Director

Al Pacino

Father Theophilus Riesinger

Dan Stevens

Father Joseph Steiger

Ashley Greene

Sister Rose

Abigail Cowen

Emma Schmidt

Maria Camila Giraldo

Sister Camila

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The Ritual: Trailer 1

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The Ritual: Teaser Trailer

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Synopsis

Based on true events, The Ritual follows two priests -- one questioning his faith (Dan Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Al Pacino) -- who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.

Director: David Midell
Producer: Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch, Ross Marks, Enrico Natale
Screenwriter: David Midell
Distributor: XYZ Films
Production Co: Andrew Stevens Entertainment, Cinemachine Shop, Redbird Entertainment
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 6, 2025, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 27, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA): $525.9K
Runtime: 1h 38m

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