The first trailer for 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 David Midell (The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain) 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 heart of this terrifying tale is Emma Schmidt, a 46-year-old woman tortured by disturbing blackouts, a violent aversion to holy objects, and a slew of unspeakable afflictions. Desperate for answers after conventional medical and psychiatric treatments fail her, Emma’s priest turns to the unthinkable: an exorcism. What unfolds next is a battle of wills, as the secluded convent becomes the stage for a spiritual struggle unlike any other.
Produced by Enrico Natale, Ross Marks, Andrew Stevens, and Mitchell Welch, with an impressive executive producer lineup, The Ritual is shaping up to be a truly unsettling experience. The strong supporting cast includes Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, and Patricia Heaton.
With its chilling true story and all-star cast, The Ritual is bound to disturb and get under your skin — “The power of Christ compels you” to watch it when it releases in theaters nationwide on June 6, 2025.
You can discover more about the true story behind the film here.
