THE RITUAL

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director David Midell and XYZ Films is the haunting tale of THE RITUAL.

Father Steiger (Dan Stevens) is a priest of a small community in Earling, Iowa at Saint Joseph’s in 1928. Dealing with a family crisis, he is approached by Bishop Fabian (Patrick Fabian) notifying him of request regarding Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen), a young woman who has been dealing with unexplained issues. She has been suffering issues that psychiatrists do not believe are mental so Father Theophilus (Al Pacino) has stepped in to do an exorcism. The church has decided that it will be done at St. Joseph’s much to Father Steiger’s surprise. Also unhappy about the request is Mother Superior (Patricia Heaton).

When Emma arrives at the church, she is met by Sister Rose (Ashley Greene) and taken immediately to her room. Sister Sarah (Meadow Williams), Sister Camila (Maria Giraldo) and others are curious at to what is happening and what Emma is like. When Father Theophilus arrives, the rituals begin almost immediately and they will all begin to see and experience things they never could have imagined.

When Father Steiger begins to question Father Theophilus, it causes each of them wonder what is truly happening to Emma. Each of them begins to feel the effects of what is taking control of Emma and the fear spreads rapidly. What is torturing Emma and how much longer do they have before there is no turning back for any of them.

The clock is ticking on their faith!

Stevens as Father Steiger is trying to understand the sadness he feels about his brother and now with the bishops request, he is struggling. Believing that Emma needs medical attention more, he is told that what is going to happen is already set. Stevens gives us the portrayal of a man who seems more worldly in feeling than priestly. He wants to lean more towards medical and psychiatric than an exorcism. The problem is that Father Steiger seemingly refuses to listen to someone who actually knows and is constantly a hinderance. That’s where the duality of his character lies.

Pacino as Father Theophilus presents himself as a very laid back “I’ve done this before” kind of priest that isn’t upset by Father Steiger’s constant confrontations. He not only shows Emma kindness but makes sure she understands what is needed to stop her torment. Pacino is somewhat transformed from his normal look into a priest wearing more monk-like apparel and captures what is needed in portraying the real Father Theophilus. He remains at all times, calm, collected and shows no fear of whatever the entity is.

Greene as Sister Rose is a nun that still seems to be dealing with a wide range of feelings. It doesn’t help when an entity is after you but there are moments where she is frustrated with what she must do to help Emma. Heaton as Mother Superior is not in the least happy with having the exorcism in the church. She fears for the safety of the nuns in her care seeing the changes that they all seem to be going through. Out of her own frustration, she even takes on both priests letting them know that continuing to allow the exorcism is at her discretion no matter what they might think. I actually liked that part of her character showing a strength I would expect a Mother Superior to have and have seen in other actresses like Anne Bancroft and Meryl Street in similar roles.

It is Cowen as Emma that provides the moments of intense rage and physical horrors experienced by her character. She has the face of an angel and a simple demeanor to match but don’t let that fool you because when it’s go-time, Cowen makes darn sure that we hold our collective breathes when it is time to show the opposite side of what torments her character. She is riveting to watch from start to finish.

XYZ Films is an American independent film production and sales company founded in 2008 by Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin and Nick Spicer, and is based in Los Angeles. It focuses on international genre films, including THE RAID: Redemption, THE RAID 2, and ON THE JOB. For more on what they have to offer, please visit www.xyzfilms.com.

Director Midell says of the film, “Upon beginning my research into the events described herein, I was struck by the scientific and fact-based approach many have taken in relationship to seemingly unexplainable (i.e. paranormal) events. Having spent thousands of hours digging into the facts, history, and context about Emma Schmidt and the other involved, my intimate knowledge of the case has guided the creative process through countless conundrum, contradictions, and juxtapositions. As a filmmaker on the autism spectrum myself, it was especially important to me to ensure the facts, as well as the challenges and triumphs experienced by the characters, were honored in the re-telling of this story.”

That is what the story is all about, the 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt recognized by the Catholic Church handled by Capuchin priest Father Theophilus Riesinger in a 23-day spiritual battle. In the almost century since the actual event, THE RITUAL brings the story back to the forefront. What the film brings is not only what Emma went through but the response to those of faith around her. Each person involved, but not Father Theophilus, questioned something about their faith in this situation.

That is the most interesting aspect of the film for me, watching the reaction of Father Steiger, Sister Rose and Mother Superior. The darkness clearly dug deep into them as their own personal struggles couldn’t be hidden any longer – whether it be the questioning of their faith or the disbelief in what was happening in their parish.

THE RITUAL falls in line with films about possession as the first I saw was, of course, the 1973 release of THE EXORCIST. The formula works for those who want to be thrilled by this genre of films with the difference that director Midell brings more of the human story of Father Steiger and the nuns. Pacino and Stevens play off one another very well to bring the story of these two extraordinary men to life.

In the end – it is the most infamous exorcism in American history!