Academy Award Winner Al Pacino becomes Father Joseph Steiger in the first teaser for the upcoming The Ritual, the true story of the most infamous exorcism in American history. Enjoy.

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.

The film stars Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen, Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, and Patricia Heaton. It was written and directed by David Midell.

Ok, I’ll bite. If the trailer is to be believed there is nothing shocking and this film seems to be the same story as most exorcism films. Now having said all that I will watch it of course.  But there’s some heaving lifting to be done (even if it’s true story based) for actual shock to ensue.

The Ritual in theaters nationwide June 6, 2025