I saw "the Ritual" last night with my wife at the local Regal cinema, it seems to be a fairly small release as it was the only theater showing the movie in within 25 miles.

This movie starring Al Pacino is based on the real life exorcism of Emma Schmidt in the 1920's Midwest USA.

The movie is definitely low budget but doesn't suffer for it. Al Pacino does a great job as Capuchin friar Theophilus Reisinger and the supporting cast is stellar, Patricia Heaton does a great job in particular in a small role.

This is not your typical exorcism movie, relying more on suspense than jump scares and buckets of pea soup. Rather than an all out horror story it's more cerebral look at spiritual warfare, compassion and crises of faith, also the generational dangers that can come along with witchcraft and the occult.

The movie is very respectful of the Catholic Church, and avoids the standard cliches.

I definitely recommend it, and would appreciate anyone else's review who goes and sees it.

How does it compare to the Rite? I read half of the book. I had to stop because I couldn't sleep anymore. Scared the heck out of me. Book is based on a true story.

TyHolden said:

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How does it compare to the Rite? I read half of the book. I had to stop because I couldn't sleep anymore. Scared the heck out of me. Book is based on a true story.

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Nowhere near as sensational as the Rite, for me much more long drawn out suspense than in your face graphic depictions of the supernatural.

My wife is not a horror fan, and I don't even really think this can be accurately described as horror. While my wife was scared during the movie, she liked it, and didn't have to close her eyes or leave during any parts.

Quo Vadis? said:

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TyHolden said:

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How does it compare to the Rite? I read half of the book. I had to stop because I couldn't sleep anymore. Scared the heck out of me. Book is based on a true story.

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Nowhere near as sensational as the Rite, for me much more long drawn out suspense than in your face graphic depictions of the supernatural.

My wife is not a horror fan, and I don't even really think this can be accurately described as horror. While my wife was scared during the movie, she liked it, and didn't have to close her eyes or leave during any parts.

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I never saw the Rite movie. That was my plan but the book really messed with my head.

I hadn't heard of this film. I sort of live under a rock when it comes to film and tv. With respect to how it actually goes down (all things demonic), how does this compare to Nefarious?

747Ag said:

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I hadn't heard of this film. I sort of live under a rock when it comes to film and tv. With respect to how it actually goes down (all things demonic), how does this compare to Nefarious?

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Nefarious in my opinion is in a league of its own, this isn't as good as nefarious, the Demon in this much more in the hissing, scratching, speaking foreign languages, self harm style than in nefarious, just not to the level of the Exorcist, The Rite, the exorcism of Emily rose etc.