The Ritual (2025): A Chilling Reimagining of a Real-Life Exorcism

In the ever-expanding world of horror cinema, few films manage to draw from real-life events with both reverence and terror. The Ritual (2025) attempts exactly that. Directed by David Midell, this atmospheric horror drama retells the true story of the infamous 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt—one of the most widely documented cases in American religious history. With Al Pacino and Dan Stevens in the lead roles, the film mixes historical authenticity with psychological horror, aiming to unsettle the viewer while offering a meditation on faith, trauma, and the nature of evil.

If you’re interested in stories rooted in religious lore and real-life mysteries, The Ritual is a movie you’ll want to watch—and it’s already making waves both in theaters and online streaming platforms.

A Story Based on Real Events

The Ritual doesn’t merely borrow from urban legends or horror tropes—it’s based on actual exorcism records documented by the Catholic Church. The story focuses on Emma Schmidt, a woman plagued by terrifying symptoms that doctors could not explain. With nowhere else to turn, her family calls upon Father Theophilus Riesinger, a German-American priest known for his experience with exorcisms.

Al Pacino takes on the role of Father Riesinger, portraying him as a deeply devout man battling not only the demon within Emma but his own human limitations. Dan Stevens plays Father Joseph Steiger, a younger and more skeptical priest who accompanies Riesinger and serves as the audience’s emotional entry point into the story. As the two priests confront the horrifying manifestations of possession, the film dives deep into themes of faith, guilt, spiritual warfare, and redemption.

Direction, Cinematography, and Atmosphere

Director David Midell adopts a raw, immersive style that leans heavily on handheld camera work, dim lighting, and long takes. The visual tone is bleak and claustrophobic, capturing the oppressive environment in which the exorcism takes place. Rather than relying on jump scares or CGI effects, the film builds tension through character interactions, subtle sound design, and religious symbolism.

This approach won’t appeal to everyone. Viewers accustomed to fast-paced horror might find the pacing slow, but for fans of methodical storytelling and psychological depth, the film offers an engaging experience. The cinematography avoids sensationalism, instead emphasizing realism and emotional strain.

Cast and Performances

Al Pacino, though now in the later years of his career, delivers a performance marked by gravitas and spiritual intensity. His portrayal of Father Riesinger is subdued but impactful—grizzled, weary, and haunted by past failures. While some critics noted that his German accent was inconsistent, his screen presence remains undeniable.

Dan Stevens complements Pacino well, bringing vulnerability and internal conflict to the role of Father Steiger. His journey from doubt to belief forms the emotional core of the film. Other notable cast members include Abigail Cowen as Emma, whose performance oscillates between tortured victim and unsettling vessel, and Ashley Greene as Sister Rose, a figure of compassion amidst chaos.

The supporting cast, though used sparingly, adds depth to the story, particularly in portraying the toll that spiritual warfare takes not just on the possessed, but on everyone involved.

Critical and Audience Reception

Since its release, The Ritual has received mixed to negative reviews from critics, though it has sparked considerable debate. While some appreciated its attempt at a realistic exorcism narrative, others criticized the film for its slow pacing and lack of dramatic payoff. Reviewers have praised the central performances, particularly from Pacino and Stevens, but noted that the film doesn't quite break new ground within the exorcism genre.

Audience reactions have been similarly split. Horror purists may appreciate the film's seriousness and historical roots, while casual viewers might feel underwhelmed by its lack of traditional horror elements like gore or overt supernatural phenomena.

Still, for those intrigued by the intersection of religion, psychology, and horror, The Ritual offers plenty to think about.

Availability and Where to Watch

Currently, The Ritual (2025) is available in select theaters across the United States and Europe. A digital release is expected soon, with platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube rumored to add the film to their rental libraries in the coming months.

In the meantime, for viewers who prefer to watch movies online, platforms like Goojara Ch have gained popularity. Goojara is a website where many users stream recently released movies, including The Ritual. While viewers should always ensure they’re accessing content legally and safely, Goojara remains one of the widely known sources where the film can be found online—especially for those unable to access theater screenings.

Themes and Symbolism

Beyond its surface-level scares, The Ritual is rich with theological and psychological subtext. The film explores the blurred line between mental illness and spiritual possession—a topic often glossed over in modern horror. It also highlights the emotional toll that prolonged spiritual engagement can have on religious figures, especially those who must confront evil face-to-face.

Father Riesinger’s arc is particularly compelling. Haunted by past exorcisms, he approaches the ritual not with arrogance, but with fear and respect. In contrast, Father Steiger begins as a skeptic and gradually becomes a believer—not because of grand supernatural displays, but through the quiet horror of watching someone disintegrate in front of him. This dynamic reinforces the film's message that true horror lies not in what we see, but in what we come to believe.

Final Thoughts: Is The Ritual Worth Watching?

While The Ritual (2025) may not reinvent the exorcism genre, it deserves credit for its authenticity, solid performances, and thematic depth. It’s not a film built for thrills and scares but for contemplation and emotional resonance. If you’re looking for cheap horror thrills, this may not be the right pick. But if you're drawn to stories rooted in faith, human suffering, and moral complexity, this film might linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

Despite its mixed reception, The Ritual stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with possession stories—and the human need to confront forces beyond our understanding.

Conclusion

Whether you're a horror enthusiast, a student of religious history, or simply curious about true exorcism accounts, The Ritual offers a grounded, if flawed, perspective. It’s more about the burden of belief than the spectacle of fear—and for many viewers, that alone will make it worth watching.