FILM REVIEW: Emma Schmidt was possessed for more than two decades before finally being released from the devil’s grasp.
The exorcism ritual in the Catholic Church is strange … it’s scary … and it’s real.
XYZ Films’ new release, The Ritual, proves that point: The supernatural horror story is a faithful report on the most infamous exorcism in U.S. history, the exorcism of Emma Schmidt. The Ritual will open in theaters on June 6.
Viewers may feel a sense of déjà vu watching The Ritual because of its strong parallel to William Friedkin’s classic 1973 film The Exorcist, which was based on the William Peter Blatty book of the same name. They’ll recognize the deep shadows, the concerned prayers of the priests and sisters, the explosion of music and sound and flashing lights whenever Satan shrieks in defiance from young Emma’s lungs. That’s because these two films share a common message: Both recount the true story of Emma Schmidt of Earling, Iowa. Emma first exhibited symptoms of possession when she was only 14 years old, and her paranormal experiences continued until her final exorcism at the age of 46.
The True Story
Why did the evil spirit find a home in young Emma? According to a report by HushedUpHistory.com, Emma’s mother died while Emma was still very young; and she was raised by an alcoholic and monstrously abusive father and was influenced by her Aunt Mina. Mina was rumored to be Mr. Schmidt’s mistress, as well as a witch who put cursed herbs into Emma’s food. Emma had been a devoted Catholic in her childhood, but HushedUpHistory.com reports that in her early teens, she found herself no longer able to enter a church without violent thoughts of smashing the holy water fonts and harming the priests. Emma could not bring herself to receive Communion, and all consecrated items provoked revulsion in her.
The final exorcism was conducted in 1928 by an experienced priest, Capuchin Father Theophilus Riesinger (played by multiple Oscar winner Al Pacino), who already had a record of 19 successful exorcisms. The ritual was performed at a local convent; and the entire exorcism was documented by the local pastor, Father Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens, of Downton Abbey).
Father Steiger’s detailed notes regarding the lengthy exorcism, combined with testimony from the sisters who were present and from others who knew something of what was happening, provided solid evidence of the possession and eventual release from Satan; and those reports were assembled in 1935 by a theologian, Father Carl Vogl, in his short book Begone, Satan: A Soul Stirring Account of Diabolical Possession in Iowa.
Besides the priest roles played by Pacino and Stevens, the cast includes Patricia Heaton as the mother superior, Abigail Cowen as Emma, Ashley Green as Sister Rose, Maria Camila Giraldo as Sister Camila, and Patrick Fabian as Bishop Edwards.
A word about the acting in The Ritual: The priests were believable, very serious about the serious responsibility of setting a young woman free from Satan’s hold. Heaton’s role as mother superior kept her standing quietly in the background, playing only a minor part, as compared to most of her Hollywood roles. But viewers won’t take their eyes off emerging actress Cowen in the difficult lead role, bursting with emotion, fear, rage and hatred, as the devil speaks through her.
Two Priests, Different Perspectives
One of the subplots in The Ritual is the tension between the two priests. The priests shared a deep faith in God and commitment to their vocation, but differed widely in their approach to their ministry. Father Riesinger had served for years as an exorcist and had overseen many successful exorcisms. He knew how difficult it could be to confront evil, but was committed to purging the evil spirit from his human subject. Father Steiger, a young pastor who was skeptical of the ritual, was wary when his bishop informed him that the exorcism would be performed at his parish; and he feared for Emma, asking if she shouldn’t instead be transported to the hospital.
Who Should See The Ritual?
While no official warning has been issued yet here in the U.S., the IMDB “Parental Guide” reports that The Ritual is replete with violence and gore; and Emma’s demonic fits of temper are frightening even to the adults in the room. For this reason, most viewers will find it inappropriate for young children. In most nations for which a report is available, according to the “Parental Guide,” the film is considered appropriate for ages 15 or older.
Persons of any age who plan to see The Ritual need to be able to deal with the spiritual, psychological and physical trauma that the movie presents.
Is The Ritual a film only for people of faith, or is it for everyone? Writer/director David Midell reported that he has always been fascinated by the intersection of science, faith, spirituality, and the human condition. “Some,” he said in a statement,
“… have described exorcisms as Rorschach tests: Those with a background in faith and religion see a spiritual struggle for the soul of a human being, while those who are more scientifically minded see a person in need of psychiatric assistance. Spiritual or psychological, what cannot be denied is the profound suffering experienced by Emma Schmidt, and the bravery and fortitude required by those who came together to alleviate her suffering.”
So there’s room in the theater for earnest believers, as well as for those who don’t understand the Catholic practice of exorcism but who enjoy a thriller movie.
Overall, this film highlights a long-held Catholic belief, as Catholic actress Heaton observed earlier this year in an interview with MovieWeb.com, “Just as God is a reality, evil is a reality too.”
IF YOU GO
What: The Ritual
Rating: Unrated; violence, blood and gore; appropriate for mature teens 16 and up.
When: Opens June 6
Website: TheRitualMovie.com
