Exorcism Thriller “The Ritual” Aims for Demonic Yet Falls Predictably Flat

Synopsis: Two priests, one in crisis with his faith and the other confronting a turbulent past, must overcome their differences to perform a risky exorcism.
Director: David Midell
Stars: Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Patricia Heaton

In yet another entry in the long line of exorcism thrillers, The Ritual is a supernatural horror film directed by David Midell. Despite flashes of promise and the star power of Al Pacino, the movie struggles to offer anything fresh, ultimately relying too heavily on tired genre clichés and a sluggish script that fails to fully engage the audience.

The film follows Father Joseph (Dan Stevens), a priest grappling with a crisis of faith, who is called to assist in the exorcism of a young woman named Emma Langley in a rural Massachusetts town. Joining him is Father Riesinger (Al Pacino), a once-famous exorcist now past his prime. Together, they confront the growing signs of possession—and their own personal demons.

From its opening minutes, The Ritual feels eerily familiar. Flickering lights, cryptic symbols, whispered Latin, and a possessed girl bound to a bed—these elements are deployed with almost checklist-like predictability. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with following a formula, the film does little to build tension or innovate on the conventions of the genre. Instead, it leans into melodrama, offering scenes that feel like reheated leftovers from The Exorcist, The Conjuring, and countless lesser imitators.

The main draw here, at least on paper, is Al Pacino. Unfortunately, even his presence can’t elevate the material. As Father Riesinger, Pacino brings his trademark gruff intensity, but it feels like he’s on autopilot. His lines are heavy with religious gravitas and philosophical musings, but they often come across as hollow rather than profound. It’s a performance that might have felt impactful in a more compelling story, but here it feels like he’s coasting through a role that demands more than it gives.

Dan Stevens fares better. His portrayal of the tormented Father Joseph is earnest and at times compelling. He conveys vulnerability and inner conflict with nuance, and his performance stands out in a film that otherwise lacks emotional depth. Stevens clearly puts in the effort, but he’s let down by a script that gives his character little development.

Patricia Heaton, almost unrecognizable, has a strong scene in the film, but it is overshadowed by the rest of the project.

Visually, the film is serviceable but uninspired. The cinematography leans heavily into dim lighting, shadowy corners, and the now-standard moody atmosphere, but it rarely builds real suspense. The setting—a cold, creaky old house—feels like a set we’ve visited too many times before.

The pacing is another major issue. The film starts slowly and rarely picks up. Much of the second act drags as the priests repeat theological debates and face increasingly absurd demonic outbursts. Instead of escalating tension, the film feels repetitive and emotionally flat. Even the climax, which should feel like a cathartic release, plays out in predictable fashion and lacks impact.

In the end, The Ritual is another entry in a genre that desperately needs new ideas. It has the talent—Pacino and Stevens are both capable of far better—but wastes them in a story that plays it far too safe. If you’ve seen more than two exorcism films in your life, you’ve already seen this one in all but name.

Unless you’re a die-hard fan of the genre or watching for Dan Stevens’ performance, The Ritual is one you can safely skip

Grade: C-

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