The Ritual: A Classic Exorcism Tale with a Stellar Cast
One seemingly ordinary morning, Father Joseph (Dan Stevens), the head of a rural parish, receives unsettling news: a young woman believed to be possessed by a demon is soon to arrive. Initially hesitant, the priest agrees to provide the setting for the exorcism rites, especially when he learns that the experienced Father Theophilus (Al Pacino) will lead the sessions. However, once everyone gathers, they realize the situation is more complex than anticipated, leaving them with only one option: to save the innocent soul.
Dan Stevens as Father Joseph
“The Ritual” treads familiar ground as another exorcism story, neither exceptional nor disappointing. Its main draw lies in its cast, particularly the legendary Al Pacino. Even at 85, Pacino delivers a solid performance, handling his role with the skill and dedication he’s known for. In recent years, Pacino has balanced acclaimed works like “The Irishman” with more straightforward projects like “The Ritual” and “Hitman.” Dan Stevens, known for his role in the series “Legion,” holds his own alongside Pacino. Similar to his role in “Legion,” Stevens portrays a character struggling to comprehend the unfolding events, filled with anxiety and a futile desire to control the uncontrollable. Abigail Cowen, as the possessed Emma Schmidt, completes the trio, perfectly capturing the character’s shifting states of consciousness.
Al Pacino as Father Theophilus
A Familiar Narrative
Despite the talented cast, the script offers them little room to shine. While the exorcism horror genre is inherently conservative, it still allows for innovation, as seen in Na Hong-jin’s “The Wailing.” While not every film needs to be groundbreaking, “The Ritual,” directed and written by David Midell, avoids any attempt at originality. The film follows a predictable pattern: exorcism rituals, Father Joseph’s growing doubts, Father Theophilus’s insistence on continuing, Emma Schmidt’s distorted voice and contorted body, and the nuns’ screams and tears.
Al Pacino as Father Theophilus
Style Over Substance?
This adherence to tradition can be seen as a strength. “The Ritual” avoids major pitfalls by sticking to a well-worn path. Set in 1928 Mississippi, the film steers clear of politics, modern technology, psychotropic substances, and excessive transgression. The two priests simply perform their duties. However, the film’s most significant weakness is its peculiar, almost documentary-style camerawork. The use of abrupt zooms and shaky camera movements, even during simple conversations, feels jarring. While one might get used to the visual style, the frequent shots of the church spire against a gloomy sky become repetitive and perplexing.
A Reconstructive Approach
Midell’s previous film, “The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain,” was a reconstruction of the final hours of an elderly veteran. He brings a similar “reconstructive” approach to “The Ritual.” While this style worked in a story about police violence against a minority, it feels out of place in a film about exorcism sessions from nearly a century ago. Despite the strong performances and a script that avoids outright heresy, the film ultimately falls short due to its stylistic choices.