The Ritual builds uncertainty but lacks heightened discomfort, and lacks distinction in the possession flick sub-genre.
The Ritual is fascinating but also raises questions about how much of what the film presents fits the “based on a true story” label the film touts. Throughout the film, there is plenty of tension, effectively using uncertainty of what’s to come. But aside from some shocking moments, it feels by the numbers, complete with the “true story” claim. In a world that has The Conjuring, this movie does little to distinguish itself from what already exists. The Ritual builds uncertainty but lacks heightened discomfort, and lacks distinction in the possession flick sub-genre.
Directed by David Midell (The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, NightLights) and written by Midell and Enrico Natale(Catalyst, Bullet Ride), the movie follows two priests who must come together to perform a dangerous exorcism to save a young woman. The movie stars Dan Stevens (Abigail, Cuckoo) and Al Pacino (House of Gucci, The Godfather) as Father Joseph Steiger and Father Theophilus Riesinger, respectively. Additional cast includes Ashley Greene (Twilight, Aftermath) as Sister Rose and Abigail Cowen (Behind the Lines, Fate: The Winx Saga) as the possessed woman, Emma Schmidt.
The Ritual Builds the Emotional Landscape of the Lead
The film focuses on the increasing dangers through Father Steiger. As he recently suffered a loss, his faith is shaky, and his belief in Emma’s possession is nonexistent. It does a good job of creating an atmosphere where he feels one moment away from screaming and sobbing uncontrollably. Dan Stevens does a stellar job conveying this pain, even as he tries to fight through it and do his job as the parish priest. While it’s clear he lost someone, the film obscures the how until later. Still, it rocked Father Steiger’s faith.
The rest of the cast in The Ritual does not get the same attention. But they all bring strong performances nonetheless. Al Pacino brings his usual talents to his character and the film. He’s a powerhouse who never disappoints onscreen. Ashley Greene’s performance conveys fear and discomfort when she’s in the presence of the possessed girl. Plus, her character shows a warm affection for Father Steiger that raises eyebrows. Greene does a fantastic job balancing both. Abigail Cowen is formidable as Emma. She is a shining point of the tension. Her facial expressions demonstrate sorrow and fragility when she is Emma and rage and hate when possessed.
Creepy Shocks and Teasing Shadows Work Best
A film like The Ritual does its best work—building moments of fear and dread—when the focus is on the possessed individual and leans into a “less is more” philosophy for the rest of the horror and supernatural. As previously stated, Abigail Cowen brings Emma alive in all her tragic and terrifying glory. Focusing on realistic supernatural possibilities, such as unforeseen strength and speaking different languages allows the film to blossom through the performances. Plus, the scenes of creepy floor creaks and heavy breathing in the shadows up the fear. But showing an entity in the shadows detracts from that fear. It’s about what’s possible, along with what’s “true.”
The Ritual tries to entertain with creepy scenes and apt use of shadows and its setting. Still, it also does not stand out enough. So, it seems interchangeable with other films. Also, the “true story” label lacks the credibility it once did. As such, The Ritual is like the after-school special version of The Exorcism of Emily Rose, another film touting itself as a “true story.” It’s not that The Ritual is bad, but that it is barely something. Aside from the performances, little stands out and none of it lingers in the mind for long.
