The Ritual - New Movie Trailer
“We are the Lord's army in this lost battle."
Synopsis: Using extensive notes taken at the time by Father Steiger, portrayed by Dan Stevens, The Ritual is a faithful and terrifying depiction of the case of Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen), also known as Anna Ecklund. With her first episode having been documented at age fourteen, Emma Schmidt’s alleged decades of demonic possession culminated in a series of exorcisms in 1928. Her case was taken on by Father Theophilus Riesinger, portrayed in the film by Academy Award-winner Al Pacino.
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Director: David Midell
Writer: David Midell and Enrico Natale
Cast: Al Pacino; Dan Stevens; Ashley Greene
Prepare to confront one of the most chilling true stories ever told.
We invite you to watch the official trailer and view the haunting new poster for The Ritual, a terrifying and faithful depiction of the most documented exorcism in history. Directed by David Midell and co-written with Enrico Natale, the film stars Academy Award-winner Al Pacino as Father Theophilus Riesinger, the priest at the center of the 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt—also known as Anna Ecklund.
Inspired by extensive firsthand notes from Father Steiger (portrayed by Dan Stevens), The Ritual dives deep into the real events that plagued Emma (Abigail Cowen) from the age of 14 through the culmination of her possession. Ashley Greene rounds out a powerhouse cast in this deeply unsettling story rooted in faith, fear, and the human spirit.
Filmed in an actual parish, with guidance from local priest Father Aaron Williams, the production brings authenticity to every shadow, every prayer, and every scream. His insight into the psychological and spiritual toll of such rituals adds an eerie realism that lingers long after the credits roll.
The Ritual arrives June 30, 2025, on Altitude.film and across major digital platforms including Apple TV, Amazon, Rakuten, and Virgin TV.
Watch the trailer—if you dare—and see the poster that captures the darkness behind the door. Evil is patient. Faith is tested. The Ritual begins.
Here's a look at the full trailer for The Ritual:
