Los Angeles Shines Light on ‘The Ritual’: Al Pacino and Dan Stevens in a Forgettable Exorcism Tale
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David Midell’s latest film, ‘The Ritual’, arrives in Hollywood as another attempt to capture the horror of exorcism, starring iconic Al Pacino alongside versatile Dan Stevens. Despite the star power and promising cast members like Ashley Greene, Patricia Heaton, and Abigail Cowen, the movie struggles to rise above the overcrowded exorcism subgenre.
Plot and Performances
Set against a chilling backdrop, ‘The Ritual’ tries to deliver spine-tingling moments built on traditional motifs of possession and spiritual warfare. The film showcases a cast working hard to bring depth and emotion, with Pacino’s seasoned performance and Stevens’ nuanced portrayal standing out. However, the script leans heavily on clichés and predictable plot twists, rendering the experience more a rehash than a fresh take.
Supporting Cast and Technical Aspects
Supporting actors Ashley Greene, known for her horror roles, Patricia Heaton with her seasoned acting chops, and Abigail Cowen, the rising star, contribute to the film but find themselves constrained by a narrative that fails to innovate. The cinematography attempts to create a tense atmosphere, with some creepy visuals and sharp sound design, but these moments are fleeting and unable to sustain the audience’s engagement throughout the run time.
Overall Impression
‘The Ritual’ is essentially stuck in regurgitating familiar scenes seen countless times in exorcism movies of the past. It lacks the originality or compelling storytelling needed to leave a lasting impression or elevate the characters beyond stereotypes. The film’s pacing is uneven, occasionally dragging in places where suspense is expected to build and rushing through critical developments that require more emotional weight.
Overall, while ‘The Ritual’ tries to bring something new to the supernatural thriller scene, it ultimately falls short, delivering a tired narrative despite an impressive cast and production values. Fans of exorcism films may find fleeting enjoyment in the recognizable elements, but those looking for innovation in the genre might be left disappointed.
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