“ The Ritual ” Probe the true story of an exorcism in America | National Catholic Register
Film review: Emma Schmidt was possessed for more than two decades before being finally freed from the devil’s scope.
The ritual of exorcism in the Catholic Church is strange … it’s scary … and it’s real.
The new release of Xyz Films, The ritual, Proves this point: the story of supernatural horror is a faithful relationship on the most sadly famous exorcism in American history, the exorcism of Emma Schmidt. The ritual will open the theaters on June 6.
Viewers can feel a feeling of already seen looking The ritual Due to its strong parallel to the classic film by William Friedkin from 1973 The exorcistwhich was based on the book William Peter Blatty of the same name. They will recognize the deep shadows, the concerned prayers of priests and sisters, the explosion of music and sound and flashing lights whenever Satan screams in contempt of the young Emma’s lungs. This is because these two films share a common message: the two tell the real story of Emma Schmidt from Earling, Iowa. Emma first presented 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 real story
Why did the evil spirit find a house in the 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 violent father and was influenced by her aunt Mina. Mina would have been the mistress of Mr. Schmidt, as well as a witch who put cursed herbs in Emma’s food. Emma had been a dedicated Catholic in her childhood, but Hushetphistory.com reports that at the beginning of her adolescence, she no longer found herself to enter a violent church without thought of breaking the fonts of holy water and of harming the priests. Emma could not resolve to receive communion, and all the consecrated articles caused repulsion in it.
The final exorcism was led in 1928 by an experienced priest, the father of Capuchin Theophilus Riesinger (played by the winner of several Al Pacino Oscars), who already had a record of 19 successful exorcisms. The ritual was made in a local convent; And all of the exorcism has been documented by the local pastor, Father Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens, from Downton Abbey).
Father Steiger’s detailed notes concerning the long exorcism, combined with testimonies from the sisters who were present and others who knew something of what was going on, provided solid evidence of the possible possession of Satan; And these reports were assembled in 1935 by a theologian, Father Carl Vogl, in his short book Bénéré, Satan: a moving soul has diabolical possession in Iowa.
In addition to the priests’ roles played by Pacino and Stevens, the casting includes Patricia Heaton as Mother Superior, Abigail Cowen as Emma, Ashley Green as a Rose sister, Maria Camila Giraldo as sister Camila and Patrick Fabian as a bishop Edwards.
A word on the game in The ritual: The priests were credible, very serious about the serious responsibility for putting a young woman free from taking Satan. Heaton’s role as Mother Superior kept him quietly in the background, playing only a minor role, compared to most of her Hollywood roles. But viewers will not turn the eyes of the emerging actress Cowen in the difficult role, overflowing with emotion, fear, rage and hatred, while the devil speaks through her.
Two priests, different perspectives
One of the subcontracts in The ritual is the tension between the two priests. The priests shared a deep faith in God and a commitment to their vocation, but greatly differ in their approach to their ministry. Father Riesinger had served for years as an exorcist and had supervised many successful exorcisms. He knew how difficult it could be to confront evil, but was determined to purge the bad spirit of his human subject. Father Steiger, a young skeptical pastor with regard to the ritual, was wary when his bishop informed him that exorcism would be executed in his parish; And he feared for Emma, asking her if she should not be transported to the hospital.
Who should see The ritual?
Although no official warning has yet been issued here in the United States, the “parental guide” IMDB reports that The ritual is filled with violence and blood; And Emma’s demonic crises are frightening even for adults in the room. For this reason, most viewers will find it inappropriate for young children. In most countries for which a report is available, according to the “parental guide”, the film is considered appropriate for the 15 years or over.
People of all ages who plan to see The ritual Need to be able to face the spiritual, psychological and physical trauma that the film presents.
East The ritual A film only for people of faith, or is it for everyone? The writer / director David Midell reported that he had always been fascinated by the intersection of science, faith, spirituality and human condition. “Some,” he said in a statement,
“… have described exorcisms as Rorschach tests: those who have experience in faith and religion see a spiritual struggle for the soul of a human being, while those who are more scientific see a person who needs psychiatric assistance. Spiritual or psychological, which cannot be refused is the deep suffering experienced by Emma Schmidt, and the Bravoure and trust.”
There is therefore room for the theater for serious believers, as well as for those who do not understand the Catholic practice of exorcism but who love a thriller film.
Overall, this film highlights a long -standing Catholic belief, as the Catholic actress Heaton observed it earlier this year in an interview with Movieweb.com, “just as God is a reality, evil is also a reality.”
If you leave
What: The ritual
Note: not classified; violence, blood and gore; Appropriate for mature adolescents 16 and more.
When: Open June 6
Website: Notritualmovie.com
