The new trailer for David Midell‘s (The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain) The Ritual has arrived, offering a terrigying glimpse into the harrowing true story of Emma Schmidt’s exorcism, a case that left an indelible mark on history.
Directed by Midell and co-written by Enrico Natale (The Big Shot), The Ritual takes us back to 1928, when the small town of Earling, Iowa, became the backdrop for one of the most documented exorcisms in American history. The film boasts a powerhouse cast, with Al Pacino (The Devil’s Advocate, Insomnia) portraying Father Theophilus Riesinger, the controversial exorcist. Dan Stevens (Cuckoo, Apostle) plays Father Joseph Steiger, the priest who oversees the ritual, while Ashley Greene (It Feeds, the Twilight franchise) and Abigail Cowen (Witch Hunt, “Stranger Things”) round out the ensemble.
At the center of this chilling story is Emma Schmidt, a 46-year-old woman tormented by disturbing blackouts, a violent aversion to sacred objects, and numerous unspeakable afflictions. When traditional medical and psychiatric treatments fail, Emma’s priest turns to the unimaginable solution: an exorcism. What follows is a fierce battle of wills, with a remote convent becoming the battleground for an intense spiritual conflict like no other.
Produced by Enrico Natale, Ross Marks, Andrew Stevens, and Mitchell Welch, with an impressive team of executive producers, The Ritual promises to be an unsettling experience. The strong supporting cast includes Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, and Patricia Heaton.
With its haunting true story and star-studded cast, The Ritual is sure to disturb and leave a lasting impression—”The power of Christ compels you” to see it when it hits theaters nationwide on June 6, 2025.
