Al Pacino stars in The Ritual 2025 horror movie, which arrives on June 6 and has already drawn attention for being labeled one of the actor’s most disappointing roles. Set in Iowa in 1928 and featuring a cast that includes Dan Stevens and Abigail Cowen, the film attempts to recount a notorious exorcism case but falls flat due to its uninspired plot, worn-out exorcism clichés, and perplexing cinematography decisions.
A Familiar Story of Exorcism and Despair
The Ritual, directed by David Midell and co-written by the filmmaker, is inspired by the reported possession of Emma Schmidt, played by Abigail Cowen, a young woman allegedly tormented by a demon for many years. The Catholic Church enlists Father Theophilus Riesinger, played by Al Pacino, to perform the exorcism. The story begins with Emma already suffering, depicted as fragile and desperate, ultimately placed under the care of Pacino’s character in hopes of salvation.
Despite being 85, Al Pacino delivers a reserved portrayal of Father Riesinger, adopting a German accent but avoiding theatrical outbursts commonly associated with the actor. Instead, his performance is subdued, matching the script’s somber tone. Dan Stevens portrays Father Joseph Steiger, tasked with documenting the exorcism rites, while Ashley Greene appears as the troubled Sister Rose. The supporting cast includes Patricia Heaton as Mother Superior and Patrick Fabian as Bishop Edwards. While the film gathers a lineup of significant actors, their talents are largely constrained by the unoriginal material.
Overused Tropes and Predictable Characters
The Ritual quickly falls into a pattern that will feel excessively familiar to viewers who have seen other exorcism movies such as William Friedkin’s classic The Exorcist. Emma, whose backstory is never truly explored, displays all the recognizable signs of possession: she grows weaker, is restrained to a bed, exhibits disturbing behaviors such as vomiting and lashing out, and ultimately delivers unsettling lines in a distorted voice. The execution of these scenes closely echoes classic genre benchmarks, offering little that feels fresh or authentic.
Within the church setting, the clergy present are similarly archetypal. Pacino’s Father Riesinger channels the experienced, unwavering faith of a figure like Father Merrin, while Stevens’ Father Steiger provides skepticism reminiscent of characters like Damien Karras. Steiger doubts the supernatural origin of Emma’s condition, repeatedly advocating for medical intervention, and wrestles with his own personal grief following the loss of his brother—parallel to narrative motives seen in earlier exorcism films. Although Pacino, Stevens, and Greene work diligently within their roles, the film’s rigidity and lackluster writing prevent any meaningful innovation or surprise. Even scenes meant to frighten rely on predictable elements, undermining the film’s attempts at real suspense.
A Frustrating Viewing Experience Due to Disorienting Cinematography
Some horror films stand as guilty pleasures despite predictable narratives, but The Ritual hampers even basic enjoyment with its visual style. The set design is stark and unremarkable, but the greater issue comes from the chaotic cinematography led by Adam Biddle—previously known for the kinetic camera work in Crank. However, such techniques feel misplaced in this context, with the entire movie shot using handheld cameras that never seem to settle.
Scenes that could have delivered dramatic tension are undercut by constant camera instability, with frequent uncontrolled zooms and tight close-ups on actors’ faces. These directorial choices leave little room for atmosphere, sacrificing any sense of immersion or dread in favor of dizzying motion. Key moments, including Emma’s physical transformation during the exorcism, are difficult to follow, as the frenetic camerawork draws attention away from the action itself. The result is a visually exhausting experience that distracts from what is unfolding on screen and diminishes engagement for the viewer.
For much of its runtime, watching The Ritual resembles staring at a small screen held too close to the face, constantly shaken around—a disorienting ordeal that even devoted fans of exorcism tales may find difficult to endure. The choices made in production, story structure, and aesthetics raise questions about what drew major stars like Al Pacino and Dan Stevens to this project, as the film offers little to justify their involvement or to satisfy fans expecting something innovative within the genre.
The Main Cast: Notable Performances Amid a Weak Script
Al Pacino portrays Father Theophilus Riesinger, the lead exorcist and a figure marked by quiet determination rather than loud bravado. Dan Stevens assumes the role of Father Joseph Steiger, a younger priest wrestling with skepticism and personal tragedy. Abigail Cowen brings to life the possessed Emma Schmidt, while Ashley Greene, Patricia Heaton, and Patrick Fabian contribute as supporting characters caught in the crisis.
The actors endeavour to elevate the film wherever possible, applying their craft in spite of the uninspired writing and repetitive exorcism tropes. There are fleeting moments that manage to evoke genuine discomfort, suggesting that the performers are capable of doing much more with better material. Nonetheless, those intervals are overshadowed by the formulaic nature of the film and its technical missteps.
Repeated Mistakes Leave the Genre Gasping
The Ritual exemplifies how formulaic storytelling and erratic direction can squander the potential of a strong cast. Instead of finding new ground within the exorcism subgenre, the 2025 film treads down a well-worn path, copying every recognizable cliché without attempting significant deviation or creative risk. Much of its runtime is spent recycling story beats established decades earlier, ultimately resulting in a film described as a dull, visually unpleasant imitation of its celebrated predecessors.
While the presence of Hollywood veterans like Al Pacino and rising talents such as Dan Stevens could have suggested ambition, their performances are unable to compensate for the movie’s shortcomings. Horror fans seeking a fresh take on spiritual horror or a compelling use of real-life cases will likely leave disappointed, as The Ritual offers little beyond déjà vu and strained attempts at atmosphere. Even those drawn by the notoriety of its cast will find themselves questioning the rationale behind their participation—an indictment typical of a project fated to be remembered as an unfortunate misstep in the careers of those involved.
