The article discusses the film The Ritual, which draws inspiration from the real-life exorcism case of Emma Schmidt in 1928 Iowa. It focuses on the dynamic between two Catholic priests, Father Joseph Steiger, struggling with faith, and Father Theophilus Riesinger, a strong believer in exorcism. Unlike older interpretations, the film emphasizes a supernatural rationale for Schmidt's afflictions rather than mental illness, positioning it within the horror genre while inviting skepticism about the true nature of the events. The film, based on a 1935 Catholic account, raises questions about the narrative and its presentation.
Considering it provided some inspiration for Friedkin's horror classic The Exorcist, the real-life exorcism case of Emma Schmidt is undoubtedly one for the books.
The movie positions Schmidt's afflictions as demonic possession rather than mental illness, presenting a faith-based thriller focusing on the exorcism ritual.
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