Godsplaining Behind the Scenes of "The Ritual" with Film Director David Midell
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Jan 19, 2026 David Midell, a film director known for his work on The Ritual, delves into the complexities of retelling a real-life exorcism story, inspired by The Exorcist. He shares the meticulous research behind the film, navigating conflicting historical accounts and prioritizing a respectful portrayal of Catholic traditions. Midell highlights the importance of honoring real communities while avoiding exploitation and discusses the film’s casting choices, including Al Pacino and Patricia Heaton, and the challenges of production. His insights on horror's impact are both profound and thought-provoking.
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Rooted In The Real Case Behind The Exorcist
- The Ritual draws from one of the primary real-life accounts William Peter Blatty used for The Exorcist.
- David Midell aimed for a grounded, docudrama tone to immerse viewers in the priests' perspective.
Research Kept Him Up At Night
- David remembers reading archival material alone at night and getting unnerved by creaks in his building.
- The research archive contained conflicting accounts, so he synthesized them into a cohesive screenplay.
Respect Over Sensation
- Midell intentionally avoided exploitative horror tropes and aimed to respect Catholic tradition.
- He set the film inside a convent and parish to honor the real community's experience.
