Latest news with #exorcism
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who Let Al Pacino Star in This Terrible Exorcism Movie?
The Ritual claims to be 'based on a true story' about the most documented and publicized exorcism in American history. That the movies are still trying to pass off demonic possession as plausibly realistic rather than horror-movie make-believe has grown wearisome, although it's not improbability that dooms this Al Pacino-headlined genre throwaway—in theaters June 6—but a crushing lack of originality and a form that makes its clichés even harder to swallow. Confronted with the unholy, Dan Stevens' priest may exclaim that this is a 'profoundly new and strange situation for all of us,' yet only the youngest and least horror-experienced moviegoers will feel likewise. In 1928 Earling, Iowa, Father Joseph Steiger (Stevens) acknowledges to his flock that he's continuing to grieve the recent death of his brother, thereby foreshadowing the preordained moment when an underworld imp mocks him about this tragedy. When he playfully steals a cracker from a tray carried by Sister Rose (Ashley Greene), The Ritual establishes their quasi-romantic feelings for each other and, in doing so, suggests that perhaps this man of the cloth's faith isn't rock solid. His belief is soon put to the test when he's told by Bishop Edwards (Patrick Fabian) that his church will be the site of the forthcoming exorcism of Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen), a young woman who's undergoing this ceremonial purging after having exhausted all other Western medical options. Handling the exorcism is Father Theophilus Riesinger (Pacino), who arrives in Iowa wearing a friar's robe that's cinched with a thick rope, and with a thick German accent that Pacino milks for all its worth. Theophilus is convinced that Emma is at the mercy of one of Satan's minions, and upon meeting with Joseph and Patricia Heaton's Mother Superior, he explains that they must all stay united in the face of the 'enemy' and its 'ancient' methods. Director David Midell's script wastes no time getting down to business, and as it turns out, the ritual he intends to perform is a multi-evening affair. Night one goes slowly, with Theophilus merely reading from his Bible while two attending nuns chime in when necessary and Joseph takes notes—a process that concludes with a sprinkling of holy water that knocks Emma out. Midell employs shaky handheld cinematography marked by sudden herky-jerky zooms throughout The Ritual, giving the material an aesthetic instability that fails to generate a sense of verité authenticity or dreadful unease. Shot in dark, muted hues, the film comes up with not a single enticing camera movement or image, and its tale proves similarly uninspired. In no time flat, Joseph starts voicing doubts about Theophilus's approach, whining repeatedly about his desire to have Emma seen by a professional doctor because her symptoms—such as a terrible seizure that causes her to foam at the mouth—resemble those associated with epilepsy. Theophilus pooh-poohs such concerns, arguing that Joseph's reservations are the tricks the Devil plays on the devout to weaken them in their divine battle. The Ritual embraces the narrative formula pioneered by The Exorcist and duplicated by legions of inferior wannabes, with Joseph plagued by a spiritual crisis that he's destined to overcome during a finale in which triumph is achieved by praying really hard. Before that inevitability, however, the film partakes in a cornucopia of familiar sights. Initially treated without restraints (because Joseph thinks them cruel), Emma lifts Sister Rose up by the hair, pulling out a giant clump in the process. Once tied down, she thrashes about, roars, and curses in English, Latin and Spanish. She additionally pukes bloody goo into a bucket, develops horrible sores all over her body, and attacks her Christian compatriots by thrusting her bed at them—all maneuvers that are so de rigueur it hurts, and are staged with not a shred of suspenseful surprise. Midell's tactics are almost as old as his diabolical baddie, and they include Jason Lazarus and Joseph Trapanese's shrieky score, copious loud noises to accompany wan jolts, and indecipherable whispering that everyone hears late at night in their rooms or in empty church hallways. Doors mysteriously creak open, Emma's body crackles as it contorts, and Stevens looks harried as a small-town priest who finds himself 'haunted' by Emma and the not-very-nice things she has to say about him and both Rose and Theophilus—not to mention he's freaked out by a spot on his arm that Emma licks and, later, appears to monstrously bubble. Stevens' character overreacts to everything that takes place over the course of the multiple rituals. Fortunately, he has Theophilus to calm him down with stories about his flight from evil in Europe and his personal connection to Emma, whom he didn't save years earlier when he was a rookie exorcist. The sole honest (and therefore interesting) moment in The Ritual features Joseph asking Theophilus why, out of all the people in the world, Emma was chosen to be preyed upon by Beelzebub's minions. Alas, Pacino's protagonist proffers an answer of such vague gibberish—apparently, she's a rare human with 'profound sensitivity' that leaves her ideally susceptible to the 'otherworldly'—that he inadvertently reveals the endeavor's silliness. For five decades and counting, demonic possession has been one of horror's favorite subjects. However, aside from Friedkin's 1973 classic, it's rarely effective if the films in question ask us to buy it as a legitimate phenomenon; better to embrace the florid, fanciful outrageousness of the conceit instead of pretending, as Midell does, that this is super-serious business. By hewing to the (supposed) historical record, The Ritual handcuffs itself, forced to trade in occurrences that are both hackneyed and tepid. The proceedings culminate with a basement showdown that peaks with the sight of Emma hovering ever-so-slightly off the ground—a deflating capper to a film that hasn't a clue how to scare. As a sage exorcist who's desperate for redemption, Pacino chews the scenery with as much gusto as possible, yet the material is so inept that it doesn't even provide him with corny dialogue or insane incidents that might let him really go over-the-top. His Theophilus views himself as Heaven's conduit in an eternal war against Hell, but this misfire strands its legendary star in bland B-movie purgatory.
CBC
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
The Ritual is dreary, dumb and dangerous. And misogynistic. Also, it sucks
Two separate times in David Middel's horror film The Ritual, title cards pop up declaring that you are watching the most well-documented case of demonic possession in history. A final message then asserts that "debate persists" over whether this instance — the 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt — was a case of medical or spiritual malady. Having made it to the end of this offensive mess, I can only assume that "debate" is a reference to the fact that The Ritual believes you are an evil imbecile if you disagree with the practice of exorcism — a practice that has led to literal torture deaths across the world. Middel also seems to suggest that spirits and demons are not only real, but they only continue to exist because egghead authorities don't believe hard enough — even in the face of extraordinary and frightening evidence that you should be calling 911 for the bleeding, wailing, vomiting young woman instead of dousing her with holy water. This is not a knock against religiosity, or even Christianity itself; The Ritual 's central didactic instruction isn't to believe in a higher power. Instead, it's an absurdly specific, fearfully atavistic and almost despairingly cruel directive not to listen to the voice of reason in the face of fatal consequences. WATCH | The Ritual trailer: It's all strung around the neck of Joseph Steiger (Dan Stevens), a faltering parish priest in the small town of Earling, Iowa. He's already struggling with conflicting responsibility and powerless leadership when a bishop bluntly informs him his church will soon be the site of an exorcism. It's Emma, you see: she's been exhibiting all the telltale symptoms of mental illness. Ones that through time immemorial have led to countless women's ostracization, forced hospitalization and lobotomies — all of which, for example, were perpetrated against little-known Kennedy sister Rosemary when she didn't act presidential enough for the presidential family. Throughout history, such practices have forged a horrifying pattern of abhorrent, confused and counterproductive treatments to silence, control and kill women. Just Google where the word "hysteria" comes from (also, chillingly, its diagnosis). Instead of scientific tortures or burning at the stake, the men in Emma's life have opted for a more traditional method. Looking for all the world like a Jeremiah Johnson Jesuit, Father Theophilus Riesinger (Al Pacino) has apparently chosen to give up his day job hanging out beneath bridges to demand tolls from fairy tale travellers. Now, he'd like to excise the spirits from poor Emma's battered and bruised body. All Steiger needs to do is take notes, and keep the pesky nuns and Reverend Mother (Patricia Heaton) from complaining too much about the very loud atrocities being committed beneath their bedrooms. Dangerous message Unfortunately, that proves a bit too much for that meddling kid (i.e. non-psychopath). Instead, Steiger impudently questions the wisdom of treating a clearly suffering woman with assault instead of, say, literally anything else. Too bad he's an idiot, apparently. Because as Riesinger assures him, his fancy-dancy doctors can't save Emma, can't save him, can't save any of us. This is something far more "ancient" we're dealing with here. Any second-guessing or second opinions will invariably lead to everyone's doom. This is the film's supposed central message, allowed to bloom even as its supposed central character, Steiger, fades inauspiciously into the background, while Riesinger and Schmidt graduate to blood-spattered moralistic caricatures, which are bestowed with all the depth, accuracy and effectiveness of those anti-drug D.A.R.E. comics (which in some cases actually got kids to do drugs more). An equally trite and terrifying tone (in neither case intentional) drips through this sad affair. If it were made with even a modicum of artistry, the film may have run the risk of sparking a roaring prairie fire of collective madness. Something this insidious, made proficiently, could well have become another Michelle Remembers, the Canadian ritual-abuse memoir so incorrect and inflammatory it set off the Satanic panic. Luckily, The Ritual is garbage. But it's noxious, like a tire fire that, if ignored, could spark a human tragedy going on for years or even centuries. But instead of ignorance, let's be better: let's look the Devil right in the face, and deal with what makes The Ritual a steaming pile of belching trash, deserving of its own exclusion zone at least the size of Chernobyl's. It's not the awkward, stilted writing. It's not the Office -style handheld zooms, making this supernatural horror look not unlike a daytime TV sitcom. It's not even Pacino's bizarre accent, seemingly a low-effort homage to his years of terrible and forgettable roles taken to recover from Ponzi scheme-induced financial ruin. No, the truly repugnant point of this movie comes toward the end, where after 90 minutes of dancing around Steiger's milquetoast hemming and hawing, Midell gives up the pretence of evenhandedness. In a scene that hits you over the head so hard it could star in Concussion, The Ritual combines liturgy, a dropped bible and laughable CGI smoke straight out of Lost to make its case. The suggestion is that Steiger was a moron to ever doubt. You can deal with mental illness at home, the film proclaims. All you need is rope, a wrought-iron bed frame and the privacy of a securely locked cellar. It is an asinine lesson, but also a cruel and dangerous one. It comes after in-movie assurances that 1920s medicine was unable to find anything medically or "biologically" wrong, sure — as a smugly (and historically, and scientifically) ignorant pat on the back for our resident exorcists. It also ignores the fact that self-righteous belief in the face of these practices does result in death. It ignores that exorcists killed Anneliese Michel. That exorcists killed Tylee Ryan and Joshua Jaxon (JJ) Vallow. That, according to Vice, exorcists traumatized Canadian Marie McClellan and continue to prod others into demanding the treatment for themselves. Vile morals All in all, it's vile. It's as if someone made a new Bambi, except now his mother dies because she stupidly neglected to do enough whippets. Or a Stand By Me where, instead of relying on the power and fleeting beauty of boyhood friendship, Gordie tells a crying Chris of course the pain will go away. All he has to do is start drinking gin. Or if in Roots, Kunta Kinte gave in before even the first lashing. "Isn't it great being a slave?" he asks this time, smiling dopily at the camera. "I am Toby Obedientman." Cue credits. Happy ending. Did you learn something?
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Boy, 6, killed in ‘exorcism' with body found wrapped in cloth as mom ‘insists God told her to force demons out of him'
A MOM has been accused of killing her six-year-old son in a horrific exorcism after his remains were found wrapped in cloth with 'only his face exposed.' Rhonda Paulynice told sheriffs 'God told her to exorcise demons out of Ra'myl Pierre's body.' 4 St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office in Florida said deputies had attended Paulynice's home in Fort Pierce last Friday due to "welfare concerns." They discovered the boy's body in a bedroom. Investigators believe Ra'myl Pierre was killed on May 18. Paulynice, 41, was arrested on May 30 on second degree murder. According to her arrest records, the mom told investigators he had died after she put her hand over her six-year-old son's mouth. Paulynice also said she had started suffocating her young boy as he was 'kicking and screaming' in bed, reported Treasure Coast Newspapers. However, she had assumed that once the "demons" had gone, he would come back to life. She had gone into the room and blown warm air on his face, and looked for signs of life, said the affidavit. While her arrest records showed she was aware that Ra'Myl Pierre had died, she believed she had 'freed him of a spirit he had in him." The Sheriff's Office said on social media that on May 30, deputies had visited her home "to conduct a welfare check." This was due to a request by a school resource deputy following concerns of the child's absence from lessons since May 14, the force added. Paulynice told one deputy 'she just hasn't 'put him back in school,'' according to the affidavit. He had been attending Samuel Gaines Academy in Fort Pierce. WRAPPED IN CLOTH Investigators said, "Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the child's mother, who directed them to a bedroom inside the home. "Deputies found the child deceased in the bedroom." According to the affidavit, the deputy spotted a child on a bed 'wrapped in fabric with only his face exposed.' Paulynice allegedly later told investigators she was not in control of her 'vessel' - referring to her body. BLAMED GOD She claimed that 'God/Father' had told her what to do. 'Paulynice stated she would be kept awake at night by dreams from God/Father detailing events which were going to occur,' added the affidavit. She reported noticing changes in her boy's behavior 'and believed him to be controlled by a 'spirit' and by an 'enemy.'' DEMONS She also allegedly told detectives he died while she was trying to "exorcise demons out of her son's body." "In speaking with the mother, she believed she was being told by God to basically exorcise demons out of the child's body," said St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro. "When the child had stopped moving and basically passed away, at that point, she felt the child had been released of those demons and was waiting for him to basically come back at that time." Paulynice "acknowledged that she knew he had died, and she freed him of a spirit he had in him,' per the affidavit. 'Paulynice made references to 'resetting her life' and she stated she was put in a position where she had to 'take her son's life.'' The legal document added that the mom then moved Ra'myl Pierre's body to another bed, where it was covered with his favorite blanket and around his head. Paulynice told cops she had checked on her dead son daily. Investigators wrote in their court report that she appeared 'indifferent to her son's death, the role she played in his death or her actions of not reporting his death.' What has Rhonda Paulynice been charged with? The Florida mother was arrested on May 30 and charged with the murder of her six-year-old son, Ra'myl Pierre Rhonda Paulynice, 41, has been charged with second-degree murder. The mom was also charged with failure to report a death and willfully touching or moving the body, clothing or any article upon or near the body, according to jail records. She was booked into jail on May 30, and is currently being held on a $150,000 bond. She was also reported as acting in an "odd" manner, for example not removing her sunglasses inside the home while speaking with cops. "While she was in the residence, although she appeared distraught, it did not appear sincere," alleged her arrest records. The mom went through 'a lot of highs and lows during the investigation, from laughing at different times at the scene to crying," Del Toro told reporters. ABC-affiliated WPTV said the station had received body camera footage of the bizarre moments before Ra'myl Pierre's body was found. Paulynice was filmed using lip gloss while answering deputies' questions about her son's lengthy absence from school. In the clip she told a deputy, 'He's going to go back to school. I'll give them a call. I didn't even realize that. I'll call his teacher.' SCHOOL TRIBUTE Lt. Andrew Bolonka, the sheriff's spokesperson, told reporters that investigators are waiting for toxicology results. Del Toro said, "From what I understand, this kid just lit the room up, and was loved by everybody." A spokesperson for the St. Lucie County school district said students and staff will be offered grief counseling and support services. St. Lucie Public Schools said in a statement, "Our hearts are with the student's family, friends, classmates, and all who loved and cared for him during this incredibly difficult time. "Out of respect for the family's privacy, and the ongoing investigation, we will not be releasing any further information at this time." Paulynice remains in custody after being booked into jail on May 30. The U.S. Sun has contacted the sheriff's office for further comment. 4 4
CBS News
01-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Fort Pierce mom charged in death of 6-year-old son after alleged exorcism, officials say
A mother in Fort Pierce is facing a second-degree murder charge after her son died in her care, officials said. The Saint Lucie County Sheriff's Office said Rhonda Polynice, 41, believed God told her to exorcise the demons out of her 6-year-old child. According to the sheriff's office, deputies were called to conduct a welfare check at a home after the child was absent from school for two weeks. When deputies arrived, they were met by Polynice. Deputies said Polynice took them to her son's room, where they said they found the child lying dead on his bed. "She believed she was exorcising demons out of the child's body," Saint Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro said. "And when the child had stopped moving and basically passed away," those demons were released. The sheriff's office said in addition to second-degree murder, Polynice was also charged with failure to report a death and altering the body. She is being held without bond.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Police Find 6-Year-Old Boy Dead in His Bedroom. His Mom Says She Was Trying to ‘Exorcise Demons Out of' His Body
A mother was arrested and charged with the murder of her 6-year-old son, Ra'myl Pierre, after a deputy found his body during a welfare check at their Fort Pierce, Fla., home on May 30 Rhonda Paulynice told detectives that "she believes she was being told by God to basically exorcise demons out of the child's body," according to St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro Prior to his tragic death, Pierre "just lit the room up, and was loved by everybody," Del Toro saidA Florida woman charged with the death of her 6-year-old son allegedly told police she was trying to "exorcise demons out of' his body. A deputy responded to the Fort Pierce, Fla., home of Rhonda Paulynice and her son, Ra'myl Pierre, at around 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday, May 30, to conduct a welfare check, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office said. The 6-year-old, a student at Samuel Gaines Academy, had not attended class in more than two weeks, and a school resource deputy was concerned. Upon arrival, Paulynice, 41, was in the driveway. She proceeded to escort the deputy into the home, where the child was 'discovered deceased, lying on his bed,' Sheriff Richard Del Toro said in a press conference. Investigators believe the child died on May 18, but an autopsy will provide more information, Del Toro said. Due to the amount of time his body was left on the bed, medical examiners could not determine the manner of death at the scene. May 18 was also the last day that Paulynice spoke to her son, detectives learned. According to Del Toro, Paulynice — who is the main suspect in the investigation — told detectives that she had attempted an exorcism on the 6-year-old, the exact details of which are not known. 'What we did learn in speaking with the mother is she believes she was being told by God to basically exorcise demons out of the child's body,' the sheriff told reporters. 'And when the child had stopped moving and basically passed away, at that point she felt that the child had been released from those demons, and was waiting for him to basically come back, at that time.' Del Toro also said that the 41-year-old mother exhibited 'a lot of highs and lows during the investigation, from laughing at different times at the scene to crying.' Paulynice was arrested and booked into jail on May 30. She was charged with second-degree murder, as well as failure to report a death and willfully touching or moving the body, clothing or any article upon or near the body, according to jail records. She is currently being held on a $150,000 bond. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Prior to the discovery of the child's body, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office responded to the Fort Pierce residence before for 'domestic issues' involving Paulynice and her sister, Del Toro said, but none involving the mother and son. Most recently, officials reported to the home on May 17 due to a 'medical issue' of Paulynice's, the sheriff added. The following day, which is when detectives believe she killed her son, Paulynice shared an inspirational religious post on social media. She shared several similar posts in the days that followed, the most recent on May 29. Her final post featuring a photo of Pierre was dated Dec. 8, 2024. While expressing condolences for Pierre's family, classmates and teachers, Del Toro offered some insight into what the 6-year-old was like prior to his tragic death. "From what I understand, this kid just lit the room up, and was loved by everybody," he said. Read the original article on People
