XYZ Films has released the highly anticipated first official trailer for The Ritual, an upcoming exorcism horror film that features a powerhouse cast led by Al Pacino and Dan Stevens. Set for a theatrical release in June 2025, the film brings to life one of the most infamous exorcism cases in American history—the 1928 possession of Emma Schmidt.
The trailer offers a haunting glimpse into the story, showcasing Pacino as the seasoned exorcist Father Theophilus Riesinger and Stevens as Father Joseph Steiger, a priest grappling with his faith. Together, they face a terrifying 72-hour exorcism ritual at a remote convent in Earling, Iowa, to save Schmidt from a demonic entity. Abigail Cowen stars as Emma Schmidt, whose physical and psychological torment intensifies as she falls under the sinister influence. The eerie visuals of her contorting body and the unsettling supernatural phenomena set the tone for the film’s growing sense of dread, with the priests resolute in their battle against evil.
In the voiceover, Pacino’s character warns, “The Devil will do whatever it takes to foil our plans. We must be resolute… and hold back the darkness,” establishing the central conflict of the film. The trailer hints at the dual narrative: while the supernatural horror unfolds, the psychological toll on the priests—particularly the tension between Father Riesinger’s veteran experience and Father Steiger’s crisis of faith—is also explored.
Directed by David Midell and co-written by Midell and Enrico Natale, The Ritual draws on the historical case of Emma Schmidt while injecting intense horror elements to elevate the exorcism subgenre. The supporting cast includes Ashley Greene, Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, and Patricia Heaton, though their roles remain under wraps. The film’s marketing leans into its “based on a true story” element, with the promotional website offering research materials about the real-life events that inspired the film.
The True Story Behind The Ritual
The true story behind The Ritual revolves around Emma Schmidt, a woman whose exorcism in 1928 became one of the most documented cases of supposed demonic possession in American history. Schmidt, born in 1882, began experiencing disturbing symptoms in her adolescence, including violent reactions to religious objects and unexplained ailments. After years of medical and psychiatric treatments failed, Schmidt was brought to Earling, Iowa, in 1928 for an exorcism that would last for months, culminating in a harrowing 72-hour ritual.
Father Theophilus Riesinger, portrayed by Pacino, was a German-born Capuchin friar with extensive experience in exorcisms. He was specifically called upon by the Bishop of Des Moines due to his reputation in dealing with possession cases. Father Joseph Steiger, played by Stevens, was the local priest who allowed the exorcism to be performed at a nearby convent for privacy.
Witnesses of the exorcism reported alarming phenomena, including violent convulsions, speaking in unknown tongues, and extreme physical reactions. After several grueling sessions, the exorcism concluded on December 23, 1928, when Emma Schmidt was believed to have been freed from her possession. The case gained significant attention, first documented in a pamphlet titled Begone Satan by Reverend Carl Vogl, which was later translated into English. In 1936, Time magazine published an article about the case, cementing its place in American horror history.
This marks a return to religious horror for Pacino, who previously played Satan in the 1997 thriller The Devil’s Advocate. With The Ritual, Pacino’s involvement brings additional gravitas to the film. For Stevens, the role continues his diverse career, following his success in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and critical acclaim in smaller projects. His portrayal of Father Steiger, caught between faith and doubt, suggests that The Ritual may offer more than just supernatural scares, incorporating rich character development alongside the horror.
The Ritual hits theaters on June 6, 2025, and promises to deliver a terrifying cinematic experience grounded in one of the most chilling true stories of demonic possession in American history.
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