XYZ Films has debuted the teaser trailer for “The Ritual,” a new religious horror film based on the shocking true story of the most infamous exorcism in American history. The film will arrive in theaters nationwide on June 6, 2025.
Written and directed by David Midell, “The Ritual” tells the story of the exorcism of 46-year-old Emma Schmidt, who for years experienced frightening blackouts, aversion to holy objects, and other unspeakable afflictions. Her suffering was documented in medical evaluations, mental hygiene reports, and personal diaries. After extensive psychiatric treatment provided no relief, Emma’s priest recommended a more spiritual remedy: a solemn exorcism.
In 1928, Capuchin friar Theophilus Riesinger carried out that exorcism with oversight from Father Joseph Steiger, the priest at Saint Joseph’s in Earling, Iowa. After a marathon 72-hour exorcism, Emma was freed from her affliction and able to utter the name of God once more.
“The Ritual” stars Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen, Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, and Patricia Heaton.
The film is produced by Enrico Natale, Ross Marks, Andrew Stevens, and Mitchell Welch. Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin, Alex Williams, Maxime Cottray, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Tyler Gould, Lee Broda, Jeff Rice, Meadow Williams, Chris Paladino, Tamra Bohorquez, Sharad Chib, Isaac Rosner, Cole Garson, Jordan Wagner, Jeff Holland, and Rick Moore serve as Executive Producers.
