What Is The Ritual About?
The premise of The Ritual in 308 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the summer of 1928, the quiet farming community of Earling, Iowa, becomes the unlikely stage for a confrontation that reaches beyond the ordinary rhythms of rural life. The town’s modest church, perched against endless fields, suddenly finds itself at the center of a whispered crisis, as the faithful are called to face a darkness that defies medicine and reason. The film blends the stark simplicity of the Midwest with a slow‑building dread, casting everyday faith under a pall of unsettling mystery.
At the heart of the turmoil is Emma Schmidt, a young woman whose sudden, frightening disturbances unsettle her devout Catholic family. Her once‑familiar world is shattered by inexplicable behavior that challenges the community’s understanding of salvation and sin, prompting a desperate plea to the Church. The quiet desperation of her family and the oppressive weight of the unknown set a tone both intimate and ominously expansive.
Answering that plea are two clergymen whose paths could not be more different. Father Theophilus Riesinger, an aging German‑American priest known for rare rites, bears the heavy mantle of authority and a lifetime of confronting the unseen. Beside him stands Father Joseph Steiger, a younger priest wrestling with personal tragedy, whose skepticism clashes with Riesinger’s steadfast conviction. Their uneasy partnership becomes a study in contrasting faiths—one rooted in seasoned certainty, the other in fragile questioning—each searching for meaning as belief is tested.
Together they enter a secluded convent where silence is as mandatory as prayer, and every shadow seems to pulse with hidden presence. The tone balances reverent awe with visceral tension, inviting the audience to contemplate the limits of faith, the nature of evil, and the price of confronting forces that linger just beyond the light. As the rites begin, the line between spiritual conviction and personal terror grows ever thinner, promising a journey as much inward as external.
What Happens in The Ritual?
The complete story of The Ritual, from the first scene to the last, in 629 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the year 1928, the tranquil farming town of Earling, Iowa, becomes the backdrop for a chilling ordeal when a young woman named Emma Schmidt begins to experience a series of terrifying and inexplicable phenomena. Haunted by night terrors, violent outbursts, and speaking in unfamiliar languages, Emma also develops an intense aversion towards anything sacred. Emma’s devout Catholic family is alarmed and believes she is possessed, leading them to seek assistance from the Church. Their desperate plea catches the attention of Father Theophilus Riesinger, an experienced German-American priest renowned for conducting rare, authorized exorcisms.
Despite his age and weariness, Father Riesinger travels to Iowa accompanied by his hesitant companion, Father Joseph Steiger. Steiger, a younger priest grappling with a crisis of faith, is skeptical about the concept of demonic possession, largely due to the emotional turmoil following his brother’s recent suicide and his disillusionment with the Church’s approach to mental health. However, upon witnessing Emma’s alarming behaviors—including her ability to uncover personal sins she has never encountered and exhibiting extraordinary physical strength—his skepticism begins to waver.
The exorcism takes place in a remote convent under strict conditions set by Riesinger: silence from the nuns, locked doors, and a continuous atmosphere of prayer. Emma finds herself restrained to a bed in a bare upstairs room. As the ritual unfolds, the atmosphere shifts dramatically; the temperature plummets, and the air thickens as Emma’s body becomes a battleground of convulsions. She begins to speak in various voices, some taunting and malevolent, while others exude a haunting calmness. The demons that reveal themselves include ancient spirits such as Beelzebub, Judas Iscariot, and even the abused ghost of Emma’s father. There is also the unsettling spirit of her aunt, rumored to have practiced witchcraft, blurring the lines between her traumatic past and the spiritual confrontation before them.
What starts as a single-night ritual evolves into a grueling 23-day struggle. The exorcism is executed in three major phases, each increasingly more violent and exhausting than the last. Emma displays alarming symptoms including vomiting strange substances, levitating, and communicating in Latin and Aramaic. Her body contorts in ways that defy nature, while the physical strain on both priests is profound—Steiger finds himself emotionally unraveling, whereas Riesinger becomes consumed by his prayers, neglecting both food and rest. During these moments of clarity, Steiger gradually opens up to Emma, finding a renewed sense of purpose in aiding her.
The harrowing final stage of the exorcism spans 72 continuous hours, with Emma thrashing wildly, the room quaking, objects hurling through the air, and demonic voices screaming in fury. Riesinger executes the rites with unwavering intensity, while Steiger commits himself wholeheartedly to the ritual. The priests exert pressure on the spirits to disclose their names and compel them to recognize their subservience to Christ. At the climax of the ritual, Emma breaks free from her bindings, levitating above her bed before crashing down as if lifeless.
An eerie silence ensues. Suddenly, Emma regains consciousness, her demeanor transformed into calmness despite tears streaming down her face. The exorcism concludes, and she resumes her life amidst lingering whispers that suggest the demons may occasionally return. Riesinger, despite triumph, appears profoundly changed, his eyes hollow and his hands trembling. In contrast, Steiger discovers an unexpected peace, leading him to document his experiences in a journal, grappling with the uncertainty of whether what he witnessed was a divine phenomenon or a mere figment of psychological turmoil, yet wholly aware that the events have forever altered his life.
As the film draws to a close, a lingering shot captures the now empty convent room, its bed stripped bare. A cross tilts slightly on the wall, flickering faintly in the candlelight, evoking a sense of mystery about the unseen battles that once raged within those walls.
The Ritual Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Emma's Torment Begins” to “Steiger's Reflection”. 10 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Emma's Torment Begins
In 1928, in the small farming town of Earling, Iowa, young Emma Schmidt experiences a series of terrifying phenomena. These episodes include night terrors, violent outbursts, and speaking in unfamiliar languages, leading her family to believe that she is possessed.
When:1928 Where:Earling, Iowa
- 2
Desperate Plea for Help
Concerned for Emma's wellbeing, her devoutly Catholic family seeks assistance from the Church. They reach out to Father Theophilus Riesinger, a priest known for his expertise in conducting rare exorcisms, fearing for their daughter's life.
- 3
The Arrival of Father Riesinger
Father Riesinger arrives in Iowa, accompanied by Father Joseph Steiger, a younger priest who struggles with his faith. Despite his doubts about demonic possession, he is drawn into the situation as he witnesses Emma’s strange behavior and unexplainable feats.
Where:Earling, Iowa
- 4
Witnessing the Unexplainable
As Father Steiger encounters Emma, his skepticism begins to fade. He is astounded when Emma demonstrates supernatural abilities, speaking languages she has never learned, and revealing secrets of those around her that she shouldn't know.
- 5
The Exorcism Begins
The exorcism ritual takes place in a secluded convent where strict conditions are set. The priests create an atmosphere of silence and prayer, while Emma is restrained to a bed, anticipating the violent confrontation to come.
Where:Secluded Convent
- 6
Signs of a Dark Presence
As the exorcism commences, the atmosphere changes dramatically. The temperature drops, and strange phenomena occur, including Emma's body convulsing violently. Multiple voices emanate from her, some mocking and others revealing ominous truths.
Where:Secluded Convent
- 7
Demons Reveal Themselves
During the rituals, ancient spirits reveal their identities, including Beelzebub and Judas Iscariot. Emma's deceased father, who had abused her, manifests, complicating the battle between the demons and the priests.
Where:Secluded Convent
- 8
A Grueling Ordeal
What was initially planned as a single night’s ritual extends into a grueling 23-day ordeal. Each stage of the exorcism is more intense than the last, causing physical and emotional strain on both priests involved in the confrontation.
Where:Secluded Convent
- 9
Steiger's Transformation
Father Steiger, initially weary and disillusioned, starts to find purpose through his connection with Emma. During fleeting moments of clarity, Emma confides in him, which reignites Steiger’s faith and determination to help her.
- 10
The Final Stage of the Exorcism
The climactic phase of the exorcism lasts for 72 harrowing hours. Emma thrashes about, objects fly across the room, and the priests demand that the spirits reveal their names. Tension escalates to a fever pitch as the climactic battle unfolds.
Where:Secluded Convent
Show the other 5 events of The Ritual Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Emma's Collapse
During the climax of the exorcism, Emma breaks free from her restraints and hovers above the bed, only to crash down lifelessly. This moment of chaos signifies the culmination of the spiritual confrontation, leaving everyone in utter silence.
Where:Secluded Convent
- 12
Aftermath of the Exorcism
In the aftermath, Emma awakens calm and tearful, indicating that the exorcism was successful. However, both priests are irrevocably changed; Riesinger appears haunted and altered while Steiger finally experiences a sense of peace.
Where:Secluded Convent
- 13
A New Beginning for Emma
Returning to her normal life, Emma faces whispers and uncertainty about her well-being, as rumors suggest that the demons may have not left entirely. Nevertheless, she strives to rebuild her life after a tumultuous few weeks.
Where:Earling, Iowa
- 14
Riesinger's Transformation
Father Riesinger, while victorious, carries the heavy weight of the experience with him, having endured intense spiritual and emotional trials. He emerges visibly changed, with shaken hands and hollow eyes that reflect the toll the events have taken.
- 15
Steiger's Reflection
In his quest for understanding, Father Steiger writes a journal detailing the harrowing experiences he witnessed during the exorcism. Torn between the realms of the divine and psychological, he acknowledges that the event has transformed him forever.
Who Are the Main Characters in The Ritual?
3 characters, among them Father Theophilus Riesinger (Al Pacino), Father Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens) and Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Father Theophilus Riesinger (Al Pacino)
Played by Al Pacino
Father Riesinger is a seasoned priest renowned for his experience with exorcisms. Despite his age and weariness, he exhibits unwavering conviction and dedication to his faith, plunging headfirst into a harrowing spiritual battle.
- 👨⚖️ Priest
- ⛪ Faith
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Father Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens)
Played by Dan Stevens
Father Steiger is a younger priest grappling with faith and skepticism. His emotional turmoil stemming from personal loss adds depth to his character as he navigates the complexities of belief while witnessing the extraordinary events surrounding Emma.
- 🧘♂️ Skeptic
- 🌌 Struggle
- ES
Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen)
Played by Abigail Cowen
Emma is a young woman plagued by possession, embodying the struggle between her traumatic past and an overwhelming spiritual force. Her journey through torment and eventual release from demonic influence serves as a focal point of the film's narrative.
- 👩🦰 Victim
- 🌪️ Possessed
Where and When Is The Ritual Set?
The Ritual is set in Earling, Iowa and secluded convent (1928). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1928
The movie takes place in 1928, a time when belief in the supernatural was prevalent and the Church held significant influence over communities. This era also saw a lack of understanding of mental health, leading to a reliance on spiritual explanations for psychological issues.
Where
Earling, Iowa, secluded convent
Earling is a quiet farming town known for its serene landscapes and deep religious roots. The secluded convent serves as the backdrop for the exorcism, isolated from the world, creating an atmosphere of intense spiritual struggle and turmoil.
- 🏡 Town
- ⛪ Convent
What Are the Themes of The Ritual?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Faith, Trauma and The Supernatural.
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01
Faith
The theme of faith runs deeply throughout the movie, particularly in the characters of Father Theophilus Riesinger and Father Joseph Steiger. The intense exorcism ritual challenges their beliefs, forcing them to confront their spiritual convictions as they face supernatural forces.
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02
Trauma
Trauma reveals itself as a central theme, as Emma's possession intertwines with her past abuse. The layering of personal pain and the spiritual battle raises questions about the nature of healing and the impact of trauma on one's psyche.
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03
The Supernatural
The supernatural elements of possession and exorcism play a pivotal role in the narrative. The film explores ancient spirits and the conflict between good and evil, illustrating the struggle experienced by those confronting dark forces.
How Does The Ritual End?
The last act of The Ritual and what it means, in 217 words. The ending lands as ambiguous. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the film’s climax the exorcism reaches a breaking point. The demon that has been tormenting Emma grows so violent that Father Theophilius Riesinger can no longer sustain the rite, and the other clergy are forced to step back. It is Father Joseph Steiger, the skeptical priest who has been wrestling with his own grief and wavering faith, who finally takes the crucifix‑like medallion of Saint Michael—an heirloom he found among his late brother’s belongings—and confronts the darkness himself.
With the medallion pressed to Emma’s forehead and the ancient prayers uttered in a voice that has finally found conviction, Steiger commands the presence of evil to depart. The shadowy forces that have been flitting through the convent’s corridors recoil, and Emma collapses, freed from the convulsions and the guttural curses that have defined her days.
The victory is more than a supernatural triumph; it signals Steiger’s full‑circle return to belief. By confronting the demon he not only saves Emma, but also reconciles the loss of his brother—using the saint’s symbol his sibling once treasured to seal his own renewed trust in God. The film ends with Emma’s recovery and the two priests standing beside each other, the darkness expelled and the convent’s walls finally quiet, underscoring that faith, once reclaimed, can confront even the most harrowing shadows.
What Kind of Film Is The Ritual?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A relentlessly tense and dark supernatural horror film that creates an oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere as two priests endure a grueling 23-day battle against a malevolent force, testing their faith to its absolute limits.
- claustrophobic
- oppressive
- anxious
- harrowing
- suspenseful
- somber
- demonic possession
- faith crisis
- exorcism ritual
- supernatural horror
Content notes: demonic possession, psychological torment, religious trauma, suicide mention.
Quiz
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