The Ritual Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Ritual.
The Ritual Ending Explained: Two priests, one in crisis with his faith and the other confronting a turbulent past, must overcome their differences to perform a risky exorcism. Directed by David Midell, this 2025 horror film stars Dan Stevens (Father Joseph Steiger), alongside Abigail Cowen as Emma Schmidt, Al Pacino as Father Theophilus Riesinger, Patricia Heaton as Mother Superior. Rated 5.9/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Ritual?
Two priests, one in crisis with his faith and the other confronting a turbulent past, must overcome their differences to perform a risky exorcism.
How Does Dan Stevens (Father Joseph Steiger)'s Story End?
- Dan Stevens: Dan Stevens's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Abigail Cowen (Emma Schmidt): Abigail Cowen's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Al Pacino (Father Theophilus Riesinger): Al Pacino's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Ritual Mean?
The ending of The Ritual brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Dan Stevens's story may not satisfy all audiences.