Al Pacino’s In A Horror Movie Based On A Real-Life Exorcism, And I’m Forever Haunted By What I Saw In The Trailer
I should’ve watched the trailer with my eyes closed.
I watched the trailer for the horror movie The Ritual, and I should’ve listened to my rule about avoiding movies with evil spirits, ghosts, and demons. Spoiler alert: I always end up watching them.
XYZ Films
Just when I thought it was complete make-believe and couldn’t hurt me, I discovered that The Ritual is based on the true notes and findings of a real exorcist who performed multiple exorcisms on Emma Schmidt (who later changed her name to Anna Ecklund). HELP.
The Ritual stars Dan Stevens (Abigail, Cuckoo) and the legendary Al Pacino as two priests who team up to perform Emma’s exorcism.
Al will portray Father Theophilus Riesinger.
Dan will portray Father Joseph Steiger.
Emma will be portrayed by Abigail Cowen (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Winx Club).
Monica Schipper / Getty Images, XYZ Films
The movie also features Ashley Greene (Twilight Saga) and Patricia Heaton (The Middle, Everybody Loves Raymond).
Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images, Michael Loccisano / WireImage
German-American exorcist Father Theophilus presumably performed multiple exorcisms on Emma (aka Anna Ecklund) in 1912 and 1928, and bless their hearts because it couldn’t be me.
XYZ Films
No matter how often I tell myself that I will stay far away from films like Insidious and The Conjuring, I suddenly find myself back in the irresistible clutches of creepy movies.
Filmdistrict / FilmDistrict / courtesy Everett Collection, Ben Rothstein / © Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection
Thanks to The Ritual, I’m back on my paranormal BS, and I’m utterly terrified… and excited.
Have you ever had a real-life scary experience that made you wonder if you should search Yellow Pages for an exorcist?
Share your responses in the comments!
