Anna Daniels
“We are the Lord’s army in this battle.”
Get ready for some spine-chilling vibes. The full trailer for The Ritual, XYZ Films’ latest horror involving exorcism, has just been released. If you’ve seen classics like The Exorcist, The Conjuring, or even The Pope’s Exorcist, you’ll see familiar elements in play.
In the role of a seasoned priest, Al Pacino shares intense insights on faith, while Dan Stevens appears to be in a constant state of apprehension, gearing up for a spiritual showdown. Expect to see the possessed girl, shaky camera work, and of course, the necessary disclaimer of “This is based on a true story”.
But here’s what might surprise you—or not.
Same Demons, Different Day
Directed by David Midell (The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain), the film sticks to the classic exorcism formula:
The Doubting Priest (Stevens)
The Grizzled Veteran (Pacino, channeling vibes similar to his role in The Devil’s Advocate)
The Girl Who Speaks in Tongues (Abigail Cowen, reminiscent of Linda Blair)
The Church’s Skepticism (“The Vatican’s not backing this!”)
The one unexpected element? A lack of spinning heads—at least for now.
Why This Might Actually Work
Pacino’s involvement could elevate the film from being merely standard to something more enjoyable. His delivery could make even ordinary lines sound compelling—imagine him loudly reciting Latin at a demon. Dan Stevens, following his role in Godzilla x Kong, seems ready to dive into another genre venture.
Additionally, the film claims to be based on the “most documented exorcism in American history.” If Midell explores the actual peculiarities surrounding the event, particularly the controversial history of the Capuchin friar involved, it could resemble The Exorcism of Emily Rose more than The Last Exorcism Part 47.
The Verdict: Been There, Exorcised That
Audiences who enjoy horror will likely find this appealing—especially if it delivers on the jump scares. However, for those seeking something innovative, The Ritual might feel as original as holy water in a spray bottle.
Is it truly the “shocking true story of the most infamous exorcism”… or just another typical demonic possession story? The choice is yours.
Watch the trailer here—and keep your fingers crossed for Pacino’s vocal cords.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8zUTpO3JAo
