Unveiling the Darkness: A Deep Dive into The Ritual
In a year rich with eccentric performances from Dan Stevens—from Cuckoo to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire—the actor takes a different route in The Ritual. This exorcism-themed film, while echoing supernatural elements, leans more toward a horror-drama than a pure horror flick, showcasing a more restrained performance from Stevens, who dials down his usual charm in favor of a serious portrayal.
The Premise: A Historical Horror
Kicking off with a spine-chilling allure, The Ritual embeds itself in historical authenticity. The film opens with text citing the real-life story of Emma Schmidt (also known as Anna Ecklund), heralded as the “most thoroughly documented case of demonic possession in American history.” But don’t let the dry presentation fool you; director David Midell effectively jumps into the intensity with Stevens’ character, Father Joseph Steiger, who is seen fleeing the site of Anna’s harrowing exorcism.
A Gripping Duality: Possession vs. Mental Illness
The narrative teeters on a delicate tightrope—is Emma truly possessed, or is this a manifestation of mental illness? Midell casts a critical eye on the Catholic Church, but rather than providing clear answers, it adds layers of complexity. As the bishop (played by Patrick Fabian) visits Steiger, we sense the church’s attempt at due diligence. Meanwhile, Al Pacino, portraying the compassionate Theophilus Riesinger, embodies the struggle of faith against an unseen malevolence, crucially shifting responsibility from the institution to more ambiguous forces.
An Unconventional Take on Feminism
One refreshing aspect of The Ritual is its focus on female characters residing within the convent. Sister Rose (played by Ashley Greene) and the Mother Superior (portrayed by Patricia Heaton) navigate the same uncertainties and dangers as their male counterparts. This feminist angle feels organic and unforced, enriching the plot. The depth of Greene and Heaton’s performances surprises, positioning them as compelling figures in a narrative often dominated by male heroes.
A Cinematic Echo: The Exorcist Connection
Though The Ritual is imbued with its unique narrative threads, parallels to The Exorcist are undeniable. The relationship between Riesinger and Steiger often recalls that of Fathers Merrin and Karras, albeit without the memorability. The historical roots of the Ecklund case significantly informed William Peter Blatty’s novel and the iconic film, creating a sense of repetition that feels stale. The possession scenes, which should deliver terror, struggle under the weight of clichés, rendering them less impactful under scrutiny.
Navigating Through Visual Chaos
Unfortunately, the film’s technical choices often betray its narrative intentions. Steiger’s personal torment—where a demon taunts him with visions of his deceased brother—feels recycled. In a final act jammed into claustrophobic quarters, Midell successfully builds tension, utilizing shaky handheld camerawork and tight framing to invoke panic. However, this approach, pervasive throughout the earlier 90 minutes, sometimes evokes laughter more than dread, reminiscent of a scene from The Office rather than invoking the horror of The Exorcist.
A Mixed Bag of Challenges and Promises
The creative juxtaposition of serious storytelling with almost comically earnest filmmaking choices hinders The Ritual’s artistic vision. The eclectic mix of influences gives rise to confusion, tarnishing the potential for meaningful engagement. Star power, while appealing—featuring talents like Pacino and Stevens—fails to redeem a story plagued by indecision and inconsistent direction.
Conclusion: A Tragic Cinematic Journey
The Ritual emerges as a cautionary tale of human frailty, caught between ambition and execution. While there are moments of brilliance lurking beneath its flawed exterior, the film is a reminder that even the best concepts can falter in the hands of poor creative choices. As it grapples with profound themes, it’s ultimately a tragic exploration of faith, fear, and the unknown—and one that might leave horror enthusiasts yearning for a more polished experience.
For more riveting analysis of horror cinema, explore IGN’s guide to the 25 Best Horror Movies.
