Due preti, uno che mette in dubbio la propria fede e l'altro che deve fare i conti con un passato travagliato, devono mettere da parte le loro differenze per salvare una giovane donna possed... Leggi tuttoDue preti, uno che mette in dubbio la propria fede e l'altro che deve fare i conti con un passato travagliato, devono mettere da parte le loro differenze per salvare una giovane donna posseduta attraverso una serie di esorcismi.Due preti, uno che mette in dubbio la propria fede e l'altro che deve fare i conti con un passato travagliato, devono mettere da parte le loro differenze per salvare una giovane donna posseduta attraverso una serie di esorcismi.
Calvin Williams
- Church Congregation
- (non citato nei titoli originali)
Recensioni in evidenza
In a world where two or three exorcism movies are being released each year, you have to do something special to make your mark. Unfortunately, The Ritual is about as bland as you can get from an exorcism movie.
It's first issue is that it commits the cardinal sin of not being remotely scary or creepy. Partly this is because everything it is doing has been done to death, and has been done better in other films. Partly it is because it doesn't even seem to try too hard to cultivate a spooky atmosphere. The whole tone and look of the film is just dull.
The performances are OK, but nothing special. Al Pacino is wasted in a pretty formulaic role, and Dan Stevens does his best to put meat on the sparse bones of a beleaguered priest tasked with hosting the exorcism. It is a wonder how such a good cast was assembled for such a poor film.
Ultimately though, I do think this film falls apart with its story. It is just so formulaic and derivative of the exorcism genre. I knew every single story beat that was going to happen before it did. Nothing here is remotely new. I think they rested on their laurels due to the fact it was based on a real story, but that doesn't make it any better. The whole thing just lacked any real theatricality or spark.
Of all the exorcism films that I've seen in recent years, this is most definitely one of the least inspiring. One to avoid.
It's first issue is that it commits the cardinal sin of not being remotely scary or creepy. Partly this is because everything it is doing has been done to death, and has been done better in other films. Partly it is because it doesn't even seem to try too hard to cultivate a spooky atmosphere. The whole tone and look of the film is just dull.
The performances are OK, but nothing special. Al Pacino is wasted in a pretty formulaic role, and Dan Stevens does his best to put meat on the sparse bones of a beleaguered priest tasked with hosting the exorcism. It is a wonder how such a good cast was assembled for such a poor film.
Ultimately though, I do think this film falls apart with its story. It is just so formulaic and derivative of the exorcism genre. I knew every single story beat that was going to happen before it did. Nothing here is remotely new. I think they rested on their laurels due to the fact it was based on a real story, but that doesn't make it any better. The whole thing just lacked any real theatricality or spark.
Of all the exorcism films that I've seen in recent years, this is most definitely one of the least inspiring. One to avoid.
Here we are again-another film about demonic possession, another "based on a true story" tagline, another exorcism. But The Ritual, which dramatizes the infamous 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt, had something more in its grasp: a chilling historical case, a legendary priest, and the potential to stand out in a saturated subgenre. Unfortunately, while the bones of a compelling and terrifying film are here, the execution undercuts itself at nearly every turn.
The source material is potent. The real-life exorcism of Emma Schmidt is one of the most detailed and disturbing accounts in American history. But while the story had me hooked, the mockumentary-style camerawork took me right out of it. It's a baffling creative choice that feels like it belongs in an entirely different film. We're not watching a found-footage horror film here, but the cinematography seems to think we are. Jarring close-ups, erratic shaky cam, and a lack of visual clarity not only disrupt the pacing, they often hide the horror instead of revealing it.
Pacino, even in his late career, still commands the screen. His Father Riesinger is a worn man with a quiet intensity, bringing grit to the role. Dan Stevens matches his performance, injecting skepticism and emotional weight into a character. Abigail Cowen gives a physically demanding and emotionally performance as Emma. She doesn't overplay the possession, instead grounding it in fear, confusion, and exhaustion. Her portrayal makes you believe she's both victim and battlefield.
The Ritual isn't without merit. The performances are strong, the story is there, and there are moments that hint at something deeper and more terrifying. But the disjointed visual style does it no favors. It's a film that constantly reminded me of what it could have been something chilling, thought provoking, and unforgettable. Instead, it's a promising exorcism tale that exorcises itself of its own potential.
The source material is potent. The real-life exorcism of Emma Schmidt is one of the most detailed and disturbing accounts in American history. But while the story had me hooked, the mockumentary-style camerawork took me right out of it. It's a baffling creative choice that feels like it belongs in an entirely different film. We're not watching a found-footage horror film here, but the cinematography seems to think we are. Jarring close-ups, erratic shaky cam, and a lack of visual clarity not only disrupt the pacing, they often hide the horror instead of revealing it.
Pacino, even in his late career, still commands the screen. His Father Riesinger is a worn man with a quiet intensity, bringing grit to the role. Dan Stevens matches his performance, injecting skepticism and emotional weight into a character. Abigail Cowen gives a physically demanding and emotionally performance as Emma. She doesn't overplay the possession, instead grounding it in fear, confusion, and exhaustion. Her portrayal makes you believe she's both victim and battlefield.
The Ritual isn't without merit. The performances are strong, the story is there, and there are moments that hint at something deeper and more terrifying. But the disjointed visual style does it no favors. It's a film that constantly reminded me of what it could have been something chilling, thought provoking, and unforgettable. Instead, it's a promising exorcism tale that exorcises itself of its own potential.
In 1928-based true-tale "The Ritual" priests Dan Stevens & Al Pacino (supported by nuns like Patricia Heaton & Ashley Greene) perform a three-week+ exorcism on Abigail Cowen (excellent). That exorcism though is basically just a repetition of rituals with similar outcomes (including everyone but Pacino getting deeply disturbed (and often injured)) and there's no real exploration of whether Cowen is actually mentally ill rather than possessed (it's mentioned - but dismissively). With solid performances and stylish direction (from writer David Midell) it is superior to most recent exorcist flicks (like the abysmal "The Pope's Exorcist")... but it still ain't too good.
I know the reviews aren't great but I like Pacino and Dan Stevens, plus I'm usually overly forgiving with these type of movies, so I would have got some enjoyment from it.
I said would have because I couldn't get very far into it.
The reason was the camera which was so distracting. It was shaking with random zooms and unnecessary camera angles. I don't think I've experienced anything like this before, and hopefully nobody will attempt it ever again.
Baffling choice for such a movie. I guess if the director didn't want anyone to focus on his movie for a split second, then mission accomplished.
I said would have because I couldn't get very far into it.
The reason was the camera which was so distracting. It was shaking with random zooms and unnecessary camera angles. I don't think I've experienced anything like this before, and hopefully nobody will attempt it ever again.
Baffling choice for such a movie. I guess if the director didn't want anyone to focus on his movie for a split second, then mission accomplished.
As I'm almost 30 minutes into this movie, I'd like to say that I probably won't get through it. Not because it's too scary, but the cameraman is obviously crapping him/herself. The shaky shots are doing me 'ed in as they say. Plus Pacino is sleep walking through it too.
Ok. Longer review required. So I'll watch a bit more.
Every bloody angle is skewed. Is that supposed to add something? Every scene is plagued by the notion that this somehow makes the viewing experience more "authentic". Yeah really. I was an alter boy once upon a time and since then I've always wanted to ask someone, anyone, when was the last miracle amongst the faithful. Maybe the fact checkers are a more scary prospect. Peace.
Ok. Longer review required. So I'll watch a bit more.
Every bloody angle is skewed. Is that supposed to add something? Every scene is plagued by the notion that this somehow makes the viewing experience more "authentic". Yeah really. I was an alter boy once upon a time and since then I've always wanted to ask someone, anyone, when was the last miracle amongst the faithful. Maybe the fact checkers are a more scary prospect. Peace.
Lo sapevi?
- BlooperDuring the exorcism, Emma speaks several languages, including Polish when addressing the Mother Superior. The Mother Superior responds in what is supposed to be Polish, but her pronunciation is so poor that native Polish speakers might have difficulty understanding her.
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Dettagli
- Data di uscita
- Paesi di origine
- Sito ufficiale
- Lingue
- Celebre anche come
- Exorcismo: El Ritual
- Luoghi delle riprese
- Aziende produttrici
- Vedi altri crediti dell’azienda su IMDbPro
Botteghino
- Lordo Stati Uniti e Canada
- 527.118 USD
- Fine settimana di apertura Stati Uniti e Canada
- 329.198 USD
- 8 giu 2025
- Lordo in tutto il mondo
- 3.525.434 USD
- Tempo di esecuzione
- 1h 38min(98 min)
- Colore
- Proporzioni
- 2.00 : 1
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