When a movie begins by announcing that “The following is based on true events,” the intent, one presumes, is to get the viewer to sit up and get ready.
It doesn’t help when the true events contain well-worn genre elements, as is the case with “The Ritual,” an exorcism story directed by David Midell. The trailer for this movie says that it tells “the true story that inspired ‘The Exorcist.’” And indeed, we have several elements remembered from that picture: a young woman possessed; a young priest who is having trouble with his faith; and an imposing older priest whose conviction carries the day.
Did I say imposing? In William Friedkin’s 1973 movie, Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), casting a long shadow and speaking in stentorian tones, was immediately formidable. Here, two priests in a small town in Iowa in 1928 are enlisted to perform the exorcism. As Father Theophilus, a hunched Al Pacino speaks in an exaggerated accent that wavers between Crazy Guggenheim and “It’s-a me, Mario.” As the younger priest, Father Joseph, Dan Stevens doesn’t have much to do besides look extremely concerned.
The movie doesn’t serve its actresses particularly well either. During her possession scenes, Emma (Abigail Cowen) is obliged to contort herself and froth at the mouth, while Mother Superior (Patricia Heaton) is called upon to furrow her brow a lot. Topping it all off is a deliberately shaky and agitated shooting and cutting style that heightens nothing. Just watch “The Exorcist” again.
The Ritual
Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 38 minutes. In theaters.
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