The ritual: A new exorcism horror film with Al Pacino and Dan Stevens
A chilling tale of faith and redemption
The Ritual, an upcoming exorcism horror film featuring the legendary Al Pacino and the versatile Dan Stevens, has already created a buzz by selling out in most international territories. Directed by David Midell, this film promises to be a gripping exploration of faith, redemption, and the supernatural.
A stellar cast and crew
The film is helmed by David Midell, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Enrico Natale. The production team includes Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch, and Natale, ensuring a high-quality cinematic experience. The cast is rounded out by Ashley Greene and Abigail Cowen, adding depth and talent to the ensemble.
A story based on true events
The Ritual is inspired by the true story of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession led to one of the most documented exorcisms in American history. The film follows two priests, played by Stevens and Pacino, who must overcome their personal struggles and differences to save a possessed young woman. Stevens’ character grapples with his faith, while Pacino’s character is haunted by a troubled past. Together, they embark on a perilous journey of exorcism, testing their limits and beliefs.
International acclaim and distribution
XYZ Films, the company behind the movie, has been expanding its reach, and The Ritual is a testament to their growing influence. The film has been picked up by various international distributors, including:
- Umbrella for Australia/New Zealand
- PremiereTV for Benelux
- KMBO for France
- Leonine for Germany/Austria/Switzerland
- TFG for Greece
- Plaion for Italy
- NOS for Portugal
- Inopia for Spain
- Altitude for U.K./Ireland
- Pro Rom for Eastern Europe
- Volga for CIS Baltics
- Falcon for the Middle East
- Siyah Beyaz for Turkey
- IDC for Latin America
- PVR for India
- PT Prima for Indonesia
- Antenna for Malaysia
- Filmbridge for Mongolia
- Pioneer for the Philippines
- Shaw for Singapore
- JNC for South Korea and Vietnam
Upcoming releases from XYZ Films
XYZ Films has a slate of exciting projects lined up, including:
- Daniela Forever starring Henry Golding and Beatrice Grannó
- Full Throttle Mindset featuring Josh Duhamel and Lukas Gage
- He Bled Neon with Joe Cole and Rita Ora
- Kill Me starring Allison Williams and Charlie Day
- Free Fall with Zachary Levi, directed by Zoë Bell
- Skywalkers: A Love Story, a Sundance title sold to Netflix
- Ash starring Eiza González and Aaron Paul, directed by Flying Lotus
- Havoc, a Netflix Original directed by Gareth Evans, starring Tom Hardy and Forest Whitaker
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, the anticipation for The Ritual is palpable. The combination of Al Pacino and Dan Stevens promises a dynamic on-screen chemistry that will captivate audiences. The film’s basis on true events adds an extra layer of intrigue and authenticity, making it a must-watch for fans of the horror genre.
For those who appreciate in-depth character studies, the film’s exploration of faith and redemption through the eyes of two troubled priests offers a compelling narrative. The meticulous documentation of Emma Schmidt’s exorcism provides a rich historical context that enhances the film’s realism and emotional impact.
Direct links to trailers and information
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit the following links:
- The Ritual
- Daniela Forever
- Full Throttle Mindset
- He Bled Neon
- Kill Me
- Free Fall
- Skywalkers: A Love Story
- Ash
- Havoc
Final thoughts
The Ritual is set to be a landmark film in the exorcism horror genre, combining stellar performances, a gripping true story, and high production values. With its international acclaim and the backing of XYZ Films, it is poised to make a significant impact on audiences worldwide. For those who love cinema, this film is an exciting addition to the 2025 release calendar, promising a thrilling and thought-provoking experience.