One supernatural thriller climbing the ranks of our most anticipated films this year is The Ritual, an intense exorcism drama from XYZ Films, written and directed by David Midell (The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain). Based on one of the most infamous real-life exorcism cases in American history, the film stars Al Pacino and Dan Stevens in a chilling dramatization of spiritual warfare, faith, and human suffering.
Pacino plays Father Theophilus Riesinger, a controversial Capuchin friar with a reputation for confronting evil head-on. Stevens takes on the role of Father Joseph Steiger, a humble priest from Saint Joseph’s in Earling, Iowa, who’s pulled into the harrowing exorcism of a woman named Emily Schmidt, portrayed by Abigail Cowen (Redeeming Love). What begins as an attempt to help a woman suffering from terrifying blackouts and spiritual afflictions soon unravels into a months-long descent into hell itself.
XYZ Films just dropped a neck-snapping teaser trailer, showcasing the film’s haunting visuals and hinting at the psychological and spiritual toll this true story exacted on everyone involved. The Ritual dives deep into the 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt (renamed Emily Schmidt for the film), one of the most well-documented and controversial exorcism cases in American history.
The story is drawn from first-hand accounts, diaries, and medical reports. After years of unexplained torment and failed psychiatric treatment, Schmidt’s condition led her priest to recommend an exorcism. Reluctantly, Father Steiger agreed to host the ritual at a secluded convent in his parish. The arrival of Father Theophilus—and the evil forces they were up against—set in motion a three-day ordeal that nearly shattered them all.
With mounting tension, escalating spiritual phenomena, and emotional unraveling, The Ritual aims to do more than just scare—it taps into questions of belief, morality, and the true cost of confronting darkness. The teaser trailer hints at a restrained, atmospheric approach in the vein of The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Saint Maud, grounding the horror in historical authenticity.
The Ritual hits theaters June 6 via XYZ Films. Until then, check out the teaser and dive into the true story behind the film at the official website. Stay tuned to HMU for updates on this terrifying journey into faith and fear.
As the priest at Saint Joseph’s in Earling, Iowa, Father Joseph Steiger lived a quiet dutiful life, tending to his flock. In the fall of 1928, Father Steiger was approached with an urgent concern…
For years, 46-year-old Emma Schmidt had experienced frightening blackouts, aversion to holy objects, and other unspeakable afflictions. Her suffering was documented in medical evaluations, mental hygiene reports, and personal diaries. After extensive psychiatric treatment provided no relief, Emma’s priest recommended a more spiritual remedy: a solemn exorcism. A secluded convent in Father Steiger’s parish was chosen as the site for the ritual. Despite significant reservations, Father Steiger agreed to oversee the exorcism. Theophilus Riesinger, a mysterious Capuchin friar, whose previous experience with exorcism made him a controversial figure, was assigned to carry out the task.
With Emma’s arrival in Earling, a darkness began to around the convent and unexplainable incidents began to occur; through first-hand interviews, memoirs, and other forms of documentation, what emerges is a tapestry of dark forces, human frailty, and temptation that tested even the most steadfast of those involved. The months long ordeal that followed would push all with the convent, including Father Steiger, Father Theophilus, and Emma herself, close to the edge of insanity.
Finally, after a marathon 72 hour exorcism, Emma was freed from her affliction, and was able to utter the name of God once more. She lived out the remainder of her life in peace. The exorcism of Schmidt remains the most thoroughly documented, and widely publicized exorcism in American history.
Written and Directed by David Midell
Story by David Midell, Enrico Natale
Starring Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen, Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, Patricia Heaton
Produced by Enrico Natale, Ross Marks, Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch
Executive Produced by Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin, Alex Williams, Maxime Cottray, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Tyler Gould, Lee Broda, Jeff Rice, Meadow Williams, Chris Paladino, Tamra Bohorquez, Sharad Chib, Isaac Rosner, Cole Garson, Jordan Wagner, Jeff Holland, Rick Moore
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