The film industry, particularly Hollywood, has a long-standing fascination with possession stories, with The Exorcist being the pioneering and iconic tale that set the standard for all subsequent demon-infested cinematic narratives. Over the past 50 years, since the emergence of Captain Howdy, numerous films have attempted to replicate its success, resulting in a wide range of varying degrees of quality and quality. At first glance, The Ritual appears to follow a familiar template, drawing inspiration from true events and featuring a seasoned priest alongside a younger counterpart, exploring themes of “dark past” and “faith crisis.” However, the presence of Dan Stevens and Al Pacino in the cast adds a notable twist.

The newly released teaser trailer showcases Pacino adopting a gruff accent while referencing his involvement in “the Lord’s army,” alongside Stevens, who conveys a sense of alarm and desperation while sporting a stylish priest collar. The teaser also includes some familiar tropes, such as a woman contorting herself while under the influence of evil forces, accompanied by the typical, exaggerated sound effects that often accompany possessed individuals.

According to the press release, The Ritual is based on the “most thoroughly documented and widely publicized exorcism in American history,” which took place in a small Iowa town in 1928. The event centered around 46-year-old Emma Schmidt, who had been experiencing troubles for years; the cause of her condition, whether attributed to the limited understanding of mental health at the time or something more sinister, remains unclear. Nevertheless, the Catholic Church officially sanctioned the exorcism ceremony, generating significant media attention.

In addition to Stevens and Pacino, the cast includes Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen, Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, and Patricia Heaton. The Ritual is directed and co-written by David Midell, and more information about the historical context behind the film can be found on its official website.

The Ritual is scheduled to hit theaters on June 6.

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