Buckle up, because The Ritual is clawing its way into theaters on June 6, 2025, and this ain’t your grandma’s Sunday school sermon. We’re diving headfirst into the unholy true story of America’s most infamous exorcism, and trust me, it’s got enough demonic juice to make your skin crawl.
Directed and written by David Midell, The Ritual is based on the 1935 book Begone Satan!, a chilling account that’s been the twisted spine behind decades of horror flicks, from The Exorcist to every B-movie priest-versus-possessor schlockfest. This isn’t just another Hollywood cash-grab riding the possession wave; it’s a gritty, faith-shredding look at the real-life case of Emma Schmidt, a woman whose alleged demonic torment shook the Catholic Church to its core. Think less “spinning heads” and more “soul-crushing existential terror.”
The cast? Oh, it’s a banger. Al Pacino—yeah, that Pacino—stars as one of two priests grappling with forces that’d make even Tony Montana piss his tailored suit. Alongside him is Dan Stevens, who’s been killing it in everything from Legion to The Guest, playing the other holy man staring down the abyss. Ashley Greene (Twilight’s resident vampire babe) and Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, but make it terrifying) round out the ensemble, but the real standout? Abigail Cowen as Emma Schmidt. Word is, her performance is the kind of raw, unhinged intensity that’ll leave you checking under your bed for demons.
The trailer dropped, and it’s a masterclass in creeping dread. No cheap jump scares here—just suffocating atmosphere, flickering candles, and Pacino’s gravelly voice spitting Latin like it’s a weapon. The poster’s no slouch either, with a stark, blood-red cross bleeding into shadows. It’s the kind of art you’d hang in your creepy uncle’s basement.
What sets The Ritual apart from the glut of exorcism flicks is its roots in a story that’s been fueling nightmares for nearly a century. Emma Schmidt’s case isn’t just urban legend; it’s a documented descent into madness that’s inspired theological debates and horror lore alike. Midell’s script reportedly leans hard into the psychological toll of facing something that might be Satan himself—or worse, might not be. Is it real? Is it mental illness? That ambiguity is the kind of shit that keeps me up at night.
Exclusively in theaters, The Ritual is poised to be a gut-punch for horror purists and casuals alike. You don’t need to be a Catholic to feel the weight of this one—just a pulse and a tolerance for sleepless nights. Mark your calendars for June 6, and maybe bring a rosary. You’re gonna need it.
Check out the ritual website! ( Ritual Movie )
