In Theaters Nationwide June 6, 2025
The shocking true story of the most infamous exorcism in American history.
Written and Directed by David Midell
Story by David Midell, Enrico Natale
Starring Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen, Maria Camila Giraldo, Meadow Williams, Patrick Fabian, Patricia Heaton
Produced by Enrico Natale, Ross Marks, Andrew Stevens, Mitchell Welch
Executive Produced by Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin, Alex Williams, Maxime Cottray, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Tyler Gould, Lee Broda, Jeff Rice, Meadow Williams, Chris Paladino, Tamra Bohorquez, Sharad Chib, Isaac Rosner, Cole Garson, Jordan Wagner, Jeff Holland, Rick Moore
As the priest at Saint Joseph’s in Earling, Iowa, Father Joseph Steiger lived a quiet dutiful life, tending to his flock. In the fall of 1928, Father Steiger was approached with an urgent concern…
For years, 46-year-old Emma Schmidt had experienced frightening blackouts, aversion to holy objects, and other unspeakable afflictions. Her suffering was documented in medical evaluations, mental hygiene reports, and personal diaries. After extensive psychiatric treatment provided no relief, Emma’s priest recommended a more spiritual remedy: a solemn exorcism. A secluded convent in Father Steiger’s parish was chosen as the site for the ritual. Despite significant reservations, Father Steiger agreed to oversee the exorcism. Theophilus Riesinger, a mysterious Capuchin friar, whose previous experience with exorcism made him a controversial figure, was assigned to carry out the task.
With Emma’s arrival in Earling, a darkness began to around the convent and unexplainable incidents began to occur; through first-hand interviews, memoirs, and other forms of documentation, what emerges is a tapestry of dark forces, human frailty, and temptation that tested even the most steadfast of those involved. The months long ordeal that followed would push all with the convent, including Father Steiger, Father Theophilus, and Emma herself, close to the edge of insanity.
Finally, after a marathon 72 hour exorcism, Emma was freed from her affliction, and was able to utter the name of God once more. She lived out the remainder of her life in peace. The exorcism of Schmidt remains the most thoroughly documented, and widely publicized exorcism in American history.
