The Ritual

The movie 'The Ritual' (2025), directed by David Midell, is a disturbing proposal of psychological and supernatural horror inspired by real events. The plot follows two priests, Theophilus Riesinger (played by Al Pacino) and Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens), who must join forces to carry out a series of exorcisms aimed at freeing Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen), a young woman seemingly possessed by a demonic entity.

Riesinger, a veteran priest struggling with his faith, and Steiger, a young priest with a dark past, are forced to collaborate in an environment filled with tension and challenges. As they delve into the exorcism process, they discover that Emma's possession is linked to an ancient and malevolent force that threatens not only their lives but also their souls.

What begins as a conventional exorcism ritual quickly transforms into a prolonged and brutal confrontation against an entity that seems to know and manipulate their deepest fears. Isolated in a convent, surrounded by a threatening silence, the priests must fight not only against the demon inhabiting Emma but also against their own personal crises and the limits of their faith.

The film stands out for its oppressive atmosphere and its focus on the internal conflicts of the characters, exploring themes such as redemption, faith, and the struggle against evil. Midell's direction and the performances of Pacino and Stevens promise to deliver an intense and disturbing cinematic experience.