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Exclusive: Filming is underway in Oklahoma on comedy-horror Horrified starring Julie Benz (Dexter) as a down-on-her-luck scream queen who returns to the horror convention circuit for fast cash.

The comeback veers off course when she finds herself up against a pig-masked killer from her old franchise weaponizing her cult legacy against her friends and fans, forcing her to confront past demons and fight for survival in a blood-soaked slasher showdown.

Jason Behr (The Grudge), Allison Dunbar (Yellowstone), Doug Jones (The Shape of Water) and Aimeé Teegarden (Friday Night Lights) have joined previously announced cast members Benz, Busy Philipps (Mean Girls), Ron Perlman (Hellboy) and Jim Rash (The Way Way Back).

The movie is the feature debut of writer-director Michael Zara.

It is being produced by Randy Wayne and Talia Bella under their production company Rebellium Films; Michael Zara and his production company Ghost Bunni, in association with arts charity, Art of Elysium,...

Hell of a Role Al Pacino recently took on the role of a Catholic priest confronting the Devil himself. The (for lack of a congruent term of what he brings to any role) gravitas of Pacino anchors Father Theophilus Riesinger, the German-born Capuchin priest who famously endured a grueling four-month battle to reclaim Schmidt’s soul from demonic control. Set in 1928 Iowa and steeped in the scorched bones of American demonology, ‘The Ritual’ follows two priests- one devout but fractured, the other wavering in faith- tasked with exorcising a woman gripped by violent possession. This isn’t just another fictional horror tale. The film is based directly on Begone Satan!, the 1935 pamphlet detailing the real-life exorcism of Emma Schmidt, a documented case so harrowing it has long haunted the fringe between folklore and faith. The same material inspired William Peter Blatty’s ‘The Exorcist’ and, eventually, William Friedkin’s landmark 1973 film.

Six new horror movies already released at home this past Tuesday, and they’re being joined by six more today including the theatrical release of hotly anticipated sequel M3GAN 2.0.

Here’s all the new horror that released on Friday, June 27, 2025!

For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.

Blumhouse’s modern horror icon M3GAN is back in the action-packed sequel M3GAN 2.0, which promises to be bigger, badder and bloodier. It’s now playing in theaters nationwide.

Director Gerard Johnstone and writer Akela Cooper are back for the follow-up to their 2023 film along with producers James Wan of Atomic Monster and Jason Blum of Blumhouse.

Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Amie Donald, and Jenna Davis star alongside Ivanna Sakhno, Aristotle Athari, Timm Sharp, and Jemaine Clement.

Two years after M3GAN, a marvel of artificial intelligence, went rogue and embarked on...

Julie Benz made her screen acting debut in the 1990 Dario Argento / George A. Romero anthology film Two Evil Eyes, appearing in the Argento half of the movie. Since then, she has racked up almost 100 additional credits, appearing in Satan’s School for Girls, Roswell, Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Supernatural, Rambo, Saw V, Punisher War Zone, Desperate Housewives, Locusts: The 8th Plague, Dexter, 8Mm 2, Defiance, The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, Havenhurst, Hawaii Five-0, V.C. Andrews’ Heaven, Foster Boy, Gold Digger Killer, 9-1-1: Lone Star, and Love, Victor, among many other things. Now, Deadline reports that Benz has signed on to star in the horror comedy Horrified, where she’ll be playing a down-on-her-luck scream queen.

Joining Benz in the cast are Busy Philipps (Mean Girls), Ron Perlman (Hellboy), and Jim Rash (The Way Way Back).

The...

Exclusive: Julie Benz (Dexter), Busy Philipps (Mean Girls), Ron Perlman (Hellboy) and Jim Rash (The Way Way Back) are to star in horror-comedy Horrified.

The film will see a down-on-her-luck scream queen (Benz) return to the horror convention circuit for fast cash, only to find the pig-masked killer from her old franchise weaponizing her cult legacy against her friends and fans, forcing her to confront past demons and fight for survival in a blood-soaked slasher showdown.

The project, which is due to shoot this summer, marks the feature debut of writer-director Michael Zara, a writer on three seasons of TNT drama Major Crimes.

Pic is being produced by Randy Wayne and Talia Bella under their production company Rebellium Films (40 Dates and 40 Nights) alongside Zara and his production company Ghost Bunni, in association with arts charity Art of Elysium, Eb Studios, and producer Daniel Hall.

Executive producers are Julie Benz, Busy Philipps,...

Hell of a Role Al Pacino recently took on the role of a Catholic priest confronting the Devil himself. The (for lack of a congruent term of what he brings to any role) gravitas of Pacino anchors Father Theophilus Riesinger, the German-born Capuchin priest who famously endured a grueling four-month battle to reclaim Schmidt’s soul from demonic control. Set in 1928 Iowa and steeped in the scorched bones of American demonology, ‘The Ritual’ follows two priests- one devout but fractured, the other wavering in faith- tasked with exorcising a woman gripped by violent possession. This isn’t just another fictional horror tale. The film is based directly on Begone Satan!, the 1935 pamphlet detailing the real-life exorcism of Emma Schmidt, a documented case so harrowing it has long haunted the fringe between folklore and faith. The same material inspired William Peter Blatty’s ‘The Exorcist’ and, eventually, William Friedkin’s landmark 1973 film.

Rate This Movie Film Review: The Ritual Written and Directed by David Midell Starring Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen & Patricia Heaton In Theaters Nationwide June 6, 2025 Written and Directed by David Midell Story by David Midell, Enrico Natale Starring Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen, Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, Patricia …

The post Film Review: The Ritual appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.

Well, The Ritual sure is another exorcism movie! The hook? This one’s got Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, and Patricia Heaton. The problem? The Ritual plays no better than the umpteenth generic exorcism release without marquee names, and sometimes even worse. Exorcism movies are a dime a dozen in the horror genre, and nothing here dares to push subgenre boundaries or expectations past the devil’s doorstep.

Filmmaker David Midell, along with co-writer Enrico Natale, recreates the famously documented 1928 exorcism of Anna Ecklund, a pseudonym for Emma Schmidt (played by Abigail Cowen). Stevens plays the doubting Father Joseph Steiger, a priest who must welcome Emma into his house of worship, while Pacino becomes the German-American exorcist celebrity (by Roman Catholic terms), Father Theophilus Riesinger. Under Father Riesinger’s command, Father Steiger has his faith challenged by Emma’s worsening condition. Is it a psychological affliction or truly a demonic curse?...

Not since Paul Schrader’s ill-starred “Exorcist” entry “Dominion” in 2004 has an exorcism-centric thriller taken itself quite so seriously as “The Ritual.” Based on a real-life case, like director David Midell’s prior “The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain,” this more fantastical drama is a relatively restrained effort less interested in standard horror effects than the events’ psychological impact on their participants. Nonetheless, its integrity and able performers only do so much to elevate a reluctant genre movie that emerges as rather dreary — not unlike “Dominion,” albeit minus theological discussions. With Al Pacino and Dan Stevens topping the cast, XYZ Films’ release should lure in some genre fans. Still, their disappointment may be salved only by the thought that this is a definite genre improvement over the abysmal “The Exorcist: Believer” from two years ago.

Midell’s feature is billed as being based on “the true story that inspired ‘The Exorcist,...

Al Pacino is one of the most esteemed actors, whose acting credits include multiple masterpieces. The actor received no less than nine Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, whether in leading or supporting roles, and won one for 1992's Scent of a Woman.

Pacino's illustrious career includes over 60 acting credits, with countless critical hits. However, his latest film, The Ritual, is not one of them and it has brought him an unfortunate career first. The horror, which is based on the same possession story as The Exorcist, is set to hit theaters on June 6, andThe Ritual debuted with an extremely 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Ritual is inspired by the 1935 book, Begone Satan!. It has David Midell at the helm, who directed based on a script he co-wrote with Enrico Natale. The possession horror is based on a true story, and follows two priests Theophilus Riesinger (Pacino) and Joseph...

Not even Dan Stevens or veteran actor Al Pacino can inject life into The Ritual, the latest exorcism horror movie that adapts the 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt. Framed with a documentary eye, director David Midell attempts to shake up the tired formula by stretching out the cleansing ritual typically reserved for the climax into a full feature. The problem is that there’s not enough substance or story to fill its plodding runtime, just more tired musings on faith and religion amidst stale possession horror cliches.

The Ritual drops viewers into a beleaguered convent already exhausted by the violent outbursts and eerie behavior exhibited by deeply unwell patient Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen). As Emma exhibits the telltale signs of possession, terrorizing the nuns that include yanking out clumps of hair from a terrified Sister Rose (Ashley Greene), the Church has already approved an exorcism. Enter the familiar dynamics first introduced in The Exorcist,...

David Midell’s The Ritual, which is based on the true story of Emma Schmidt’s 1928 exorcism in Earling, Iowa, stresses in a text coda before the end credits that its central event is the most documented of its kind. But with the film playing out in such mind-numbingly derivative fashion, it seems less like Midell and co-writer Enrico Natale studied the documents of this case than they did the hoary tropes of this specific subgenre of horror film. Regardless of its historical point of origin, the film simply ends up joining the ranks of countless, tedious Exorcist wannabes before it, a robust trend that’s become its own special kind of hell.

After an unintentionally funny “so you’re wondering how I got here” mid-exorcism cold open, The Ritual properly introduces Father Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens), who’s struggling with his faith and with leading his parish in the...

Pacino is somewhat flat and Dan Stevens seems to be waiting for the final curtain as they with a young woman in Iowa apparently possessed by a demon

This low-budget, minor-key and – frankly – dreary horror feature offers yet another dramatisation of the 1928 exorcism of a young woman (played here by Abigail Cowen), known by her alias Anna Ecklund and her real name Emma Schmidt. The real-life ritual, which transpired at a nunnery in Iowa, was overseen by elderly German Capuchin priest Father Theophilus Riesinger (Al Pacino) and local cleric Father Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens) and written up as a pamphlet (“Begone Satan!”) that went on to shape the public understanding of exorcisms.

All that historical detail is transfused into a weak tea of a script, credited to the film’s director David Midell and Enrico Natale. They have generated a work that is a little more interested in background and...

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens star in The Ritual, an upcoming theatrical release from XYZ Films, directed by David Midell and scheduled to open in theaters on June 6. The film brings together a cast that also features Ashley Greene, Patricia Heaton, Abigail Cowen, and Ritchie Montgomery.

Set against the backdrop of a remote community plagued by spiritual crisis, the story follows two Roman Catholic priests sent to investigate a young woman believed to be possessed. Pacino plays Father Theophilus Riesinger, a veteran cleric with an unwavering belief in the presence of evil. Stevens takes on the role of Father Joseph Steiger, a younger priest more inclined toward medical and psychological explanations.

The film presents the two clergymen with conflicting worldviews as they attempt to determine the nature of the woman’s condition. In the trailer, Pacino’s character warns of divine warfare. “We are the Lord’s army in this battle,...

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens team up to perform an exorcism in The Ritual, a new horror film based on the true events that inspired The Exorcist.

XYZ Films has released the first official trailer for The Ritual, a new exorcism horror movie starring Pacino and Stevens. According to IndieWire, the film is based on the real-life exorcism of Emma Schmidt, an infamous case that was documented in the 1935 book Begone Satan!, which would later inspire The Exorcist novel and movie written by William Peter Blatty. The Ritual follows "two priests—one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino)—must work together to perform a series of terrifying exorcisms to save the young woman’s soul," per the official synopsis. Check out the first official trailer for The Ritual below.

The Ritual is directed by David Midell, best known for NightLights and The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain.

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens have differing methods of spreading their faith in the trailer for The Ritual.

Director David Midell’s feature is set to hit theaters June 6 from XYZ Films. Ashley Greene, Patricia Heaton, Abigail Cowen and Ritchie Montgomery round out the cast.

The Ritual focuses on Father Theophilus Riesinger (Pacino) and Father Joseph Steiger (Stevens) as they aim to assist a young woman who appears to be possessed by demons.

“We are the Lord’s army in this battle,” Pacino says in the trailer. “She is touched by something otherworldly.”

Later, Stevens asks, “What if what she really needs is a doctor?” This leads Pacino to respond, “We are paying a price for your lack of faith.”

The Ritual is inspired by the 1935 book Begone Satan!, which has been at the center of faith-based debate for nearly a century. Midell helmed the movie from a script he co-wrote with Enrico Natale.

Al Pacino has played the Devil before (in the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate), and earlier this year we learned that he would be playing an enemy of the Devil in the exorcism horror film The Ritual. Taking on the role of a troubled priest, Pacino stars in the film alongside Dan Stevens of Abigail and Godzilla x Kong, who also plays a troubled priest. We’ll get to see how well this troubled duo fares against Satan when XYZ Films gives The Ritual a North American theatrical release on June 6th, with Altitude giving audiences in UK and Irish cinemas the chance to see the movie a week earlier, on May 30th. With those dates swiftly approaching, a new trailer for the film has dropped online and you can check it out in the embed above.

Based on a true story, The Ritual will center on two priests — one questioning...

The true story that inspired horror classic The Exorcist comes to the screen in The Ritual from XYZ Films, and the official trailer has been unleashed this morning. Watch it below.

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens head into the exorcism arena for the upcoming horror movie The Ritual, which will be released exclusively in movie theaters on June 6, 2025.

Sanctioned by the Church. Condemned by Satan. Based on the true story of the possession of Emma Schmidt, David Midell directs from a script he co-wrote with Enrico Natale.

Two priests, one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino), must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.

The film is said to be an authentic portrayal of the Schmidt case, which remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history. Learn the truth: theritualmovie.com.

Ashley Greene...

The devil is in the details this summer as The Ritual, a harrowing supernatural horror rooted in historical fact, arrives in UK and Irish cinemas on 30 May. Starring screen icon Al Pacino and genre regular Dan Stevens, the film is inspired by the infamous case of Emma Schmidt, whose documented exorcisms in 1928 remain some of the most chilling accounts in American religious history.

Directed by David Midell and co-written with longtime collaborator Enrico Natale, The Ritual promises to deliver a grounded yet terrifying portrait of spiritual warfare. Pacino steps into the role of Father Theophilus Riesinger, a German-American priest whose real-life attempts to banish the demonic from Schmidt’s tormented body became legend within Catholic and paranormal circles alike. Stevens portrays Father Joseph Steiger, a younger priest whose scepticism and fractured past make him a reluctant ally in the fight for Emma’s soul.

The film also stars Ashley Greene...

Al Pacino has played the Devil before (in the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate), and earlier this year we learned that he would be playing an enemy of the Devil in the exorcism horror film The Ritual. Taking on the role of a troubled priest, Pacino stars in the film alongside Dan Stevens of Abigail and Godzilla x Kong, who also plays a troubled priest. We’ll get to see how well this troubled duo fares against Satan when XYZ Films gives The Ritual a North American theatrical release on June 6th, with Altitude giving audiences in UK and Irish cinemas the chance to see the movie a week earlier, on May 30th. With those dates swiftly approaching, a trailer for The Ritual has dropped online, and you can check it out in the embed above.

Based on a true story, The Ritual will center on two priests — one questioning his...

Weapons Trailer: "From New Line Cinema and Zach Cregger, the wholly original mind behind Barbarian, comes a new horror/thriller: Weapons.

When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.

The film stars Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, with Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan.

Cregger directs from his own screenplay, and also produces alongside Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules, with Michelle Morrissey and Josh Brolin executive producing. The filmmaker’s creative team behind the camera includes director of photography Larkin Seiple, production designer Tom Hammock, editor Joe Murphy and costume designer Trish Sommerville. The music is by Ryan Holladay, Hays Holladay and Zach Cregger.

New Line Cinema Presents a Subconscious/Vertigo Entertainment/Boulderlight Pictures Production, a Zach Cregger Film,...

Al Pacino has played the Devil before (in the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate), and earlier this year we learned that he would be playing an enemy of the Devil in the exorcism horror film The Ritual. Taking on the role of a troubled priest, Pacino stars in the film alongside Dan Stevens of Abigail and Godzilla x Kong, who also plays a troubled priest. We’ll get to see how well this troubled duo fares against Satan when XYZ Films gives The Ritual a theatrical release on June 6th (it moved back from its previously announced April release date) – and with the release swiftly approaching a pair of promotional videos have dropped online, along with a new poster. One of the videos embedded above, the other can be found at the bottom of this article, along with the new poster.

Based on a true story, The Ritual will center on...

You must have faith in The Ritual, possessing theaters on June 6 from XYZ Films.

While we wait for a full trailer, a new poster, teaser, and featurette — in which a real pastor discusses questions of faith — have been released.

Based on a true story of demonic possession, David Midell directs from a script he co-wrote with Enrico Natale.

Two priests, one questioning his faith and one reckoning with a troubled past, must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens star with Ashley Greene (Twilight), Abigail Cowen (“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”), and Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”).

The film is said to be an authentic portrayal of the Emma Schmidt case, which remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.

The post You Must Have Faith in ‘The Ritual’ Poster & Featurette appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!

Coming soon from XYZ Films and writer/director David Midell is The Ritual, a harrowing new horror film all about the exorcism of Emma Schmidt. Ahead of the film’s release this June, XYZ Films has released a new teaser for the upcoming religious horror film, this time showing a glimpse of an exorcism led by Al Pacino’s Father Theophilus Riesinger, who performed the real-life exorcism in 1928.

In the film, “Two priests, one questioning his faith (Dan Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Al Pacino), must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.“

Watch the latest teaser now:

XYZ Films also shared a behind-the-scenes featurette featuring an interview with a pastor from the parish where The Ritual was filmed. He speaks about working with the actors and answering their questions about faith, particularly when it comes...

https://youtu.be/fMcw02hWdbc?si=xnFsKTNcH2CuIGzu Written and Directed by David Midell Story by David Midell, Enrico Natale Starring Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen, Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, Patricia Heaton Produced by Enrico Natale, Ross Marks, Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch Executive Produced by Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin, Alex Williams, Maxime Cottray, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, …

The post In Theaters June 6th! The Ritual, Starring Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, & Abigail Cowen, Directed by David Midell appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.

Stepping into the world of exorcisms, Al Pacino and Dan Stevens star in The Ritual, a film that isn’t just terrifying, it’s based on spine-chilling true events. Inspired by the infamous exorcism of Emma Schmidt, one of the most documented possession cases in American history, the movie brings a chilling battle between faith and pure evil to the big screen.

Al Pacino in The Ritual || Credits: Andrew Stevens Entertainment

Directed by David Midell and co-written with Enrico Natale, the movie will leave audiences questioning what’s real and what’s beyond explanation.

The chilling true story behind Al Pacino’s The Ritual!

The Ritual is more than just a horror movie as it’s based on one of the most chilling and well-documented exorcisms in American history (via The Ritual Movie).

RelatedOnly Adam Sandler Could Bring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino Together in a Justin Bieber T Shirt...

Get ready, because Al Pacino and Dan Stevens are teaming up to fight Satan himself in David Midell‘s new film, The Ritual, coming this summer from XYZ Films. This take on the possession film is said to be based on the actual exorcism of Emma Schmidt. Ahead of its release this summer, XYZ has dropped the first teaser trailer for the upcoming religious horror! Check it out below.

In the film, “Two priests, one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino), must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.“

Watch the first teaser trailer below:

Midell co-wrote the film’s script with Enrico Natale. Emma Schmidt’s case is said to be the most documented and infamous exorcism in American history. The team behind The Ritual even went as far as to collect that research here: theritualmovie.

XYZ Films has released the trailer for the horror film The Ritual, which is scheduled to open in theaters on June 6, 2025. The movie was written and directed by David Midell.

As the priest at Saint Joseph’s in Earling, Iowa, Father Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens) 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 (Abigail Cowen) 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 (Al Pacino), a mysterious Capuchin friar...

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens head into the exorcism arena for the upcoming horror movie The Ritual, and XYZ Films has unleashed the official teaser trailer today. Watch it down below.

The film will be released in theaters nationwide on June 6, 2025.

Sanctioned by the Church. Condemned by Satan. Based on the true story of the possession of Emma Schmidt, David Midell directs from a script he co-wrote with Enrico Natale.

Two priests, one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino), must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.

The film is said to be an authentic portrayal of the Schmidt case, which remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history. Learn the truth: theritualmovie.com.

Ashley Greene (Twilight), Abigail Cowen (“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”), and Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) round out the...

Ahead of tomorrow’s full trailer drop for The Ritual, get a look at stars Al Pacino and Dan Stevens in the brief teaser below.

Originally set for an Easter weekend release, the movie will now arrive in theaters this summer from XYZ Films. Expect an exact date tomorrow.

Based on the true story of the possession of Emma Schmidt, David Midell directs from a script he co-wrote with Enrico Natale.

Two priests, one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino), must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.

The film is said to be an authentic portrayal of the Schmidt case, which remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.

Ashley Greene (Twilight), Abigail Cowen (“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”), and Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”). round out the cast.

The post Al...

Writer/Director Christopher Folkens’ debut feature film “Catalyst”, is a gritty, contained thriller that explores the dark storylines that headline modern life. ‘Catalyst’ is a psychological thriller set to premiere across all major Tvod platforms on Tuesday February 11th. The grounded sci-fi thriller film revolves around seven strangers who wake up surrounded by an electrical force field, with collars around their necks. With no escape in sight and their captors standing guard they must unfold their darkest truths to gain their freedom and save their lives before time runs out.

The film was shot in a stunningly unique manner. Principal photography began in June of 2017 where over seven hours of footage was shot on three cameras with 100% improvised dialogue. Those sequences were expertly cut together by director Christopher Folkens which created the skeleton of what would become the feature length script, (written by Folkens with story credits to producers David Bianchi...

Al Pacino has played the Devil before (in the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate), and earlier this year we learned that he would be playing an enemy of the Devil in the exorcism horror film The Ritual. Taking on the role of a troubled priest, Pacino stars in the film alongside Dan Stevens of Abigail and Godzilla x Kong, who also plays a troubled priest. We’ll get to see how well this troubled duo fares against Satan when XYZ Films gives The Ritual a theatrical release on April 18th, 2025 – and with that date just four months away, a teaser poster for The Ritual has been unveiled. You can check it out at the bottom of this article.

Based on a true story, The Ritual will center on two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save...

Dan Stevens is set to star in the new horror movie The Ritual with the legendary Al Pacino, which is set up to be the perfect replacement for the recent failed restart of a beloved horror franchise. From director David Midell and writer Enrico Natale, The Ritual recently got a release date for Easter weekend 2025, and based on the limited details revealed, seems like it will hit many of the familiar notes of the demonic exorcism subgenre. That certainly isn't a strike against it, given how many disappointing exorcism movies have been released in the last few years.

A familiar exorcism formula could still be a massive hit, considering The Ritual will be elevated by the presence of Pacino and Stevens. While there has been no shortage of attempts at high-quality modern exorcism movies, there have unfortunately been very few successes. In just the last two years, Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe...

Severin Launches New Seasonal Ghost Story Series On Shudder This December: "From boutique label Severin Films and renowned author, producer and filmmaker Kier-La Janisse comes new annual series The Haunted Season.

Created by Janisse and executive produced by Severin Films, new episodes of The Haunted Season will arrive on Shudder each December with chilling short form horror tales in the tradition of telling ghost stories for Christmas. Future episodes will be announced each year as the holiday season approaches.

The first of these original commissioned productions comes from director Sean Hogan, called To Fire You Come at Last.

In 17th century England, near a rural village where unquiet spirits gather, a grieving Squire hires three local men to help carry his son’s coffin to a graveyard across the countryside. But as darkness descends upon their journey, disturbing secrets will be revealed. Violence will rise to the surface. And as...

XYZ Films has announced the U.S. theatrical release of The Ritual for Easter weekend, April 18, 2025. The exorcism horror film stars Al Pacino (The Godfather trilogy) and Dan Stevens (Abigail) and is directed by David Midell.

Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen also feature in the cast. The film, acquired by XYZ earlier this year ahead of Cannes, has been sold in several major international markets.

The Ritual is based on true events and tells the story of two priests—one struggling with his faith (Stevens) and the other haunted by his past (Pacino)—who must work together to perform exorcisms on a possessed young woman.

The film explores the life of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose exorcism remains one of the most documented in U.S. history.

Written by Midell and Enrico Natale, the film was produced by Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch, and Natale.

“David Midell’s realistic approach is chilling and unsettling,...

XYZ Films has set Easter weekend April 18th, 2025 for the US theatrical release of the exorcism horror film The Ritual, starring Academy Award-winner Al Pacino (The Godfather trilogy) and Dan Stevens (Abigail), and directed by David Midell. Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen round out the cast. The film was acquired by XYZ earlier this year just prior to Cannes, and has also sold out multiple, major international territories.

Based on true events, The Ritual follows two priests – one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) – who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.

The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.

The film was written by Midell and Enrico Natale, and produced by Andrew Stevens,...

A new poster has been unveiled via Letterboxd today for XYZ Films’ The Ritual, an upcoming exorcism horror movie that the poster touts as “based on a true story.” It also announces to expect the horror movie this Easter weekend.

The Ritual is set to release in theaters on April 18, 2025.

Al Pacino (The Devil’s Advocate) and Dan Stevens star in the film that “follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.”

The film also stars Ashley Greene (the Twilight franchise)

As for the true story that it’s drawing from, Variety previously reported that The Ritual is “an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens are set to lead the cast of upcoming exorcism horror movie The Ritual from XYZ Films and director David Midell, and Variety reports this week that XYZ Films is “planning a U.S. theatrical release in 2025.” Additionally, Variety notes in today’s fresh report that the movie has “sold out for most international territories by XYZ Films.”

Based on a true story, the film “follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.”

Variety details, “The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.”

David Midell and Enrico Natale wrote the screenplay for The Ritual.

Al Pacino...

Variety is reporting that The Ritual — a new horror film starring Al Pacino and Dan Stevens — has been sold to numerous outlets in the international market by XYZ Films. Both Pacino and Stevens will be portraying priests in the exorcism movie, while Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen join them in the cast. David Midell is helming the film. Midell directs from a script written by himself and is co-written by Enrico Natale. The film is produced by Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch and Natale. The Ritual plans for release sometime in 2025.

The plot synopsis, according to Variety, says the movie is based on a true story and “follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt,...

“The Ritual,” the upcoming exorcism horror in which Al Pacino and Dan Stevens play troubled priests, has sold out for most international territories by XYZ Films.

From director David Midell, the film was written by Midell and Enrico Natale, and produced by Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch and Natale. Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen round out the cast.

XYZ, which has been quietly growing its own releasing arm on top of its sales operations, is planning a U.S. theatrical release in 2025.

Based on a true story, “The Ritual” follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.

Basada en una aterradora historia real: el caso de Emma Schmidt.

Según Variety, Al Pacino (“El Padrino”) y Dan Stevens (“Downtown Abbey”) interpretarán a dos curas enfrentados en la película de terror y de exorcismo “The Ritual”.

“The Ritual” sigue a dos sacerdotes – uno que cuestiona su fe (Stevens) y otro que se enfrenta a un pasado turbulento (Pacino) – que deben dejar a un lado sus diferencias para salvar a una joven poseída a través de una difícil y peligrosa serie de exorcismos.

La película está basada en una historia real, el caso de Emma Schmidt, una mujer estadounidense cuya posesión demoníaca culminó en angustiosos exorcismos. Su caso sigue siendo el exorcismo mejor documentado de la historia de Estados Unidos.

“The Ritual” está escrita por David Midell (“El Asesinato de Kenneth Chamberlain”) y Enrico Natale y será dirigida por Midell. Ashley Greene (“Crepúsculo”) y Abigail Cowen (“Las Escalofriantes Aventuras de Sabrina”) completan el reparto.

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens are set to team up as priests in the forthcoming exorcism horror ‘The Ritual’.

Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen will also join Pacino and Stevens on the cast list.

Based on a true story, the movie will follow two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.

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The film provides an accurate portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman who was believed to be possessed by demonic spirits, which led to several harrowing exorcisms. This case is considered to be the most extensively documented exorcism in American history.

David Midell will direct from a script he co-wrote alongside Enrico Natale. Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch and Natale will produce.

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens have been cast in 'The Ritual'.The duo will play troubled priests in the exorcism horror film from director David Midell.XYZ Films have acquired worldwide rights to the project – which is based on a true story and has been written by Midell and Enrico Natale - and are planning to release it in cinemas in 2025 and arrange international distribution at the forthcoming Cannes market.'The Ritual' follows a pair of priests – one who is questioning his faith (Stevens) and another reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) – who have to put their differences aside to save a possessed young woman through a dangerous series of exorcisms.The flick is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession concluded with harrowing exorcisms.Dan, 41, is coming off the back of a part in the monster movie 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire...

There really needs to be some regulation on calling your horror movie The Ritual, even it has a ritual or rituals in it. Seriously, go to the IMDb and see how many titles come up with you type it in (we'll wait — it could be a while)… That, however, isn't stopping director David Midell, who has Al Pacino and Dan Stevens ready to play priests in a new based-on-truth tale that uses that name.

Midell wrote the script with creative partner Enrico Natale and has taken inspiration from a true story. It'll follow a pair of priests, with Stevens' questioning his faith and Pacino's trying to overcome a troubled past as they shove their differences aside to try to help a young woman.

Emma Schmidt's demonic possession demanded a series of dangerous and harrowing exorcism, and her case is still the most thoroughly documented example of the practice in American history.

Al Pacino has played the Devil before (in the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate), now he’s set to play an enemy of the Devil, as he has signed on to play a troubled priest in the exorcism horror film The Ritual. Pacino will star in the film alongside Dan Stevens of Abigail and Godzilla x Kong, who will also be playing a troubled priest.

Variety reports that XYZ Films has acquired the worldwide rights to The Ritual and are planning to give the movie a theatrical release sometime in 2025. They’ll be setting up international distribution deals at the upcoming Cannes Film Market. David Midell will be directing the film from a screenplay he wrote with Enrico Natale. He previously directed the 2014 drama NightLights and the 2019 thriller The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain.

Based on a true story, The Ritual will center on two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and...

Dan Stevens is everywhere lately, from Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire to Abigail and the upcoming Cuckoo. We’re not complaining. Up next? He’s starring in horror movie The Ritual.

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens have both joined the cast of the upcoming exorcism horror movie from XYZ Films and director David Midell, Variety reports this afternoon.

Based on a true story, the film “follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.”

Variety details, “The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.”

David Midell and Enrico Natale wrote the screenplay for The Ritual.

XYZ Films is planning to...

Al Pacino and Dan Stevens have teamed up for exorcism horror film “The Ritual” from director David Midell.

XYZ Films has acquired worldwide rights to the feature, with plans to release it theatrically in 2025 and arrange international distribution at the upcoming Cannes market.

“The Ritual” was written by Midell and Enrico Natale and produced by Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch and Natale. Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen round out the cast.

Based on a true story, “The Ritual” follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history.

BondIt Media Capital provided financing for the project,...

Carl Reid and Enrico Natale’s diverse slate includes comedies, dramas.

New Los Angeles-based company Dept. H led by Carl Reid and Enrico Natale is launching AFM sales on the sci-fi thriller Catalyst.

Christopher Folkens wrote and directed the film about seven strangers who wake up and discover they have been taken captive and are being held in an electrical grid.

The only way they can escape is by revealing their darkest secrets before time runs out.

The film stars Noel Gugliemi (Training Day), Patrick Kilpatrick (Minority Report), Michael Roark, (Sleepy Hollow), and Melanie Liburd (This is Us).

Catalyst is...

Who were the big winners at the 37th Independent Spirit Awards, presented on Sunday, March 6, at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California? Scroll down for the complete list of results in all categories, updated throughout the ceremony as the awards were handed out.

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These awards are unique in that they are limited to American films made for under $20 million; films made outside the United States are eligible for Best International Feature. And the awards are decided in two stages. In the first round, committees of film professionals, experts, and critics choose the nominees. In the second round, the entire Film Independent membership gets to vote for the winners. Members include industry insiders, but also anyone in the general public who wish to pay yearly dues starting at $95 per year.

The Oscars...

The 2022 Independent Spirit Awards nominations were announced Tuesday, December 14. So who made the cut at these kudos, which celebrate the best in American independent films? Scroll down to see the full 2022 Indie Spirits nominations list. Remember, only American-made movies with budgets under $20 million were eligible for consideration.

These Spirit contenders were decided by nominating committees that included film critics, film programmers, producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, actors, past nominees and winners, and members of Film Independent’s Board of Directors. Winners will be chosen by all of Film Independent’s eligible members, including industry insiders and any movie fans who sign up for membership starting at $95 per year.

These awards have come to be a significant preview of the Oscars as the motion picture academy embraces more independent films. Six of the last 10 Spirit champs for Best Feature went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture including last year’s double dipper “Nomadland,...