Overview
The release of a new exorcism movie has often become a familiar occurrence in the film industry, yet the latest offering, titled The Ritual, does little to break the mold. This film follows in the footsteps of recent titles like Russell Crowe's The Pope’s Exorcist and The Exorcism, casting an unexpected leading man: the legendary Al Pacino. In this film, Pacino portrays Father Theophilus, tasked with performing an exorcism on the afflicted Emma, played by Abigail Cowen, while Dan Stevens takes on the role of Father Joseph, marking a departure from his usual eccentric characters.
Plot and Cinematic Style
Opening with the familiar refrain of being based on true events, The Ritual centers on the documented exorcism of Emma Schmidt, dating back to 1928, and is considered one of the most notable cases in American exorcism history. However, while the film seeks to establish its authenticity, it blurs the line between fact and fiction—an objective that is undermined by the use of shaky handheld camera work. Instead of evoking the serious tone typical of a horror documentary, the aesthetic resembles a comedic mockumentary, with frequent crash-zooms that detract from the intended gravitas.
Character Portrayals and Script Consistency
Despite the film's attempt to invoke terror through its narrative, viewers may find certain distracting elements. There is a notable discrepancy between the film’s themes of horror and the dramatically youthful appearances of the cast. While the storyline revolves around Emma's alleged state of debilitating possession, her appearance, akin to a person in their early 20s, remains remarkably vibrant and untouched by distress, which raises questions about the film's commitment to authenticity.
Pacino's portrayal of Father Theophilus stands out, depicting him as the wizened guide amidst the chaos, yet his character's inconsistencies—such as a crucial moment when he instructs the clergy to remain vigilant, only for them to leave in unison—undermine the film's narrative integrity. Such lapses detract from the credibility of the storyline and the tension surrounding the exorcism.
Cinematic Expectations versus Execution
Comparatively, one might expect a film venturing into exorcism, especially with Pacino at the helm, to align more with the dynamic, if slightly fantastical, tone of The Pope’s Exorcist. Instead, The Ritual attempts a sincere portrayal of a haunting truth, but fails to convince audiences of its effectiveness. The inconsistent script and lack of coherent direction lead to a film that seems to oscillate between attempting horror-based drama and inadvertently comedic moments.
Critical Reception and Legacy
As it stands, The Ritual has achieved a staggering 0% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as a significant disappointment for Pacino and the genre. Critics have unanimously remarked on how it does little to innovate within the possession horror subgenre, often drawing negative comparisons to the classic The Exorcist. Commentaries from various publications highlight that the film struggles to evoke emotional engagement, with some even citing it as D;boring.”
As anticipation builds for its official release on June 6, it seems The Ritual lacks the foundational terror and engagement required to resonate within the horror film landscape. Ultimately, despite the significant talent involved, it remains captured by its own shortcomings, leaving viewers yearning for more substantive engagement with the genre.
Bias Analysis
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