The Ritual (2025)

Basic Information Of  The Ritual (2025)

• Title: The Ritual

• Genre: Horror / Supernatural / Historical Drama

• Release Date (US): June 6, 2025

• Release Date (UK/Ireland): May 30, 2025

• Runtime: 98 minutes

• Director: David Midell

• Writers: David Midell, Enrico Natale

• Production Companies: Cinemachine Shop, Andrew Stevens Entertainment

• Distributor: XYZ Films

• Format: Theatrical release (digital/VOD expected late July 2025)

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Main Cast Of  The Ritual (2025)

• Al Pacino as Father Theophilus Riesinger

• Dan Stevens as Father Joseph Steiger

• Abigail Cowen as Emma Schmidt

• Ashley Greene as Sister Rose

• Patrick Fabian, Patricia Heaton, María Camila Giraldo, and Meadow Williams in supporting roles

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Plot Summary Of  The Ritual (2025)

The Ritual is based on the real-life exorcism of Emma Schmidt in 1928, one of the most well-documented exorcisms in American history. The story follows two Catholic priests—Father Riesinger and Father Steiger—who are called upon to perform a harrowing and dangerous exorcism on a young woman believed to be possessed by multiple demonic entities.

Set in rural Iowa, the film depicts the disturbing manifestations of possession including violent outbursts, unearthly voices, levitation, and mental torment. As the priests battle these forces, they must also confront their own fears and doubts, making this both a spiritual and psychological war.

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Production Details Of  The Ritual (2025)

• Cinematography: Adam Biddle

• Editing: Enrico Natale

• Music Score: Jason Lazarus and Joseph Trapanese

• Producers: Enrico Natale, Ross Marks, Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch

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Box Office and Budget

• Box Office (US): Approx. $2.3 million in the first two weeks

• Production Budget: Not officially disclosed, estimated to be mid-range for a psychological horror film

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Reception

Critics’ Response:

• Mixed to negative reviews

• Praise for: atmosphere, Abigail Cowen’s performance, historical inspiration

• Criticism for: pacing, clichéd dialogue, and Al Pacino’s uneven performance (including a debated German accent)

Audience Reaction:

• Mixed, with some viewers enjoying the grounded historical tone and emotional tension

• Others felt it lacked originality and leaned too heavily on exorcism movie tropes

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Themes

• The eternal struggle between faith and doubt

• The physical and emotional toll of spiritual warfare

• The blurred lines between mental illness and demonic possession

• The cost of belief and sacrifice in the face of evil

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Historical Basis

The movie is inspired by the documented case of Emma Schmidt (also known as Anna Ecklund), whose 1928 exorcism was chronicled in a religious pamphlet titled Begone Satan!. The case involved several weeks of extreme ritual and became a benchmark in American exorcism lore.

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Streaming & Availability

• Currently: Only in theaters as of June 2025

• Expected: Digital rental and streaming (Apple TV, Amazon Prime, possibly Netflix) by July or August 2025

• DVD/Blu-ray: Likely by September 2025

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Summary

The Ritual (2025) is a dark, slow-burning exorcism drama grounded in historical fact. It delivers a visually atmospheric and emotionally charged story, but struggles with pacing and originality. Al Pacino and Dan Stevens lend star power, but it’s Abigail Cowen’s performance as the tormented Emma that stands out.

It’s best suited for viewers who enjoy religious horror and historical psychological thrillers rather than fast-paced or heavily stylized scares.

Current Status (as of June 2025):

• In Theaters: Released in the US on June 6, 2025

• Not Yet Available on streaming or digital platforms

• Expected VOD Release: Late July or August 2025

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Where You Will Be Able to Download or Watch Legally

Paid Digital Rental or Purchase (expected soon):

These platforms are expected to carry the film within a few weeks after theatrical release:

• Amazon Prime Video

• Apple TV / iTunes

• Google TV / YouTube Movies

• Vudu

• Microsoft Store

 Typical prices:

• Rent (48 hrs): $4.99 (SD) to $6.99 (HD/UHD)

• Buy: $14.99–$19.99 (HD/UHD)

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Streaming Platforms (possible late 2025):

While not yet confirmed, The Ritual (2025) may appear on:

• Netflix

• Hulu

• Max

• Paramount+

• Shudder (since it’s a horror title)

These platforms may include the movie in their catalogs 2–3 months after digital release.

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Avoid Illegal Sources

Downloading from torrent sites or pirated platforms is illegal and unsafe. It may expose your device to:

• Malware or ransomware

• Legal action for copyright infringement

• Poor-quality or fake files

Always use official sources to support creators and stay safe.

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How to Legally Download (Once Available):

1. Go to a trusted platform like Amazon, Apple TV, or Google Play.

2. Search for “The Ritual (2025)” once it’s released digitally.

3. Select “Rent” or “Buy” depending on your preference.

4. Download for offline viewing (available on most apps like Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu).