Films about demonic possession are a staple in the horror genre. Some of those films are even based on supposedly true events. Director David Midell (NightLights, The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain), who also wrote the film alongside Enrico Natale (Bullet Ride, Grounded), attempt to do just that with The Ritual. Inspired by what is said to be the most well-documented exorcism in American history, the film follows two priests in 1928 Iowa. Together, they attempt to perform an exorcism on a young woman plagued by a demonic entity.

When The Ritual begins, the audience is introduced to a priest named Father Joseph Steiger. He’s in a vulnerable place after the recent death of his brother, which has led to a crisis of faith. His Bishop informs him another priest will be arriving, along with a young woman, to get help performing an exorcism. All Steiger is expected to do is provide food and shelter for the newcomers and to document the events of the ritual. What follows is a multi-night exorcism, each night becoming increasingly dangerous for everyone involved. Perhaps because the filmmakers had such detailed documentation and source material to draw from, it seems they really tried to create a film that was more understated and realistic in its depictions of the exorcism. It certainly does seem more grounded than other demonic possession films, but unfortunately, this also has resulted in a rather unexciting viewing experience.

The audience doesn’t get much time to get to know the characters involved before it dives right into the nightly exorcism rituals. It also touches on some potentially interesting character points, such as Steiger’s wavering faith and the possible cause of the woman’s possession, but those elements are never fully explored. The Ritual ultimately lacks the depth it would need to become a more compelling film. There are moments of brief excitement and terror that might keep audiences intrigued. Yet the focus is almost entirely just on the process of the exorcism, giving the film an almost clinical feel that isn’t enough to deliver a memorable viewing experience.

Despite the rather lackluster story, The Ritual has a few great performances from fan-favorite actors. Dan Stevens (The Guest, Abigail) stars as Father Joseph Steiger. Whatever the role, Stevens always gives the performance his all, and this is apparent in his portrayal of Steiger. He makes it clear this man is caring and capable, even as his faith wavers. Ashley Green (Twilight, It Feeds) plays Sister Rose, a nun Steiger works with. Green is great in this role as she conveys her character’s anxiety and conflicting feelings while assisting in the exorcism. Abigail Cowen (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Stranger Things) plays the possessed young woman, Emma. Cowen is a definitive standout. Not only does she easily slip between being Emma and the demon lurking within, but she also brings a chilling physicality to her portrayal of Emma that will easily convince audiences they are witnessing a possession. Arguably the most famous actor in the film is the legendary Al Pacino (The Godfather, Serpico) as Father Theophilus Riesinger. Unfortunately, Pacino creates an unconvincing accent for the character and seems to lack any emotion behind his performance.

Along with most of the performances, the visuals are another plus for The Ritual. The entire film has a cold, muted color palette that seems to match the time period in which the film takes place. Yet what really makes the visuals great is the makeup. Each night of the ritualistic exorcism, Emma’s physical and mental condition worsens. The film relies almost entirely on practical makeup to highlight Emma’s body deteriorating as a result of the demon latched to her. This makeup is beautifully grotesque and really shows just how much suffering poor Emma experiences as well as how life-threatening her situation is.

The Ritual has great moments, but ultimately lacks the depth and emotion to deliver anything more than an exorcism-by-numbers story. Midell and Natale certainly had a difficult task in creating a film based on Steiger’s firsthand accounts. While they likely were successful in bringing to life the elements of the ritual, there simply wasn’t enough about the characters themselves to make a film that is as entertaining as it is rooted in reality. Most of the performances help add interest to the film, especially from Stevens and Cowen, and the practical makeup helps as well. Sadly, The Ritual ultimately isn’t good enough or bad enough to make a lasting impression, resulting in a rather forgettable watch.

OVERALL RATING: 5/10