Ritual, The (2025)

[bunniefuu]

[slow, haunting melody]

[haunting melody continues]

[haunting melody continues]

[woman screaming]

-[panting]

-[distant priest praying]

[eerie ambient music]

-[indistinct praying] Mercy...

[Priest continues with prayers]

[woman screaming]

[eerie ambient music]

[heartbeat]

-[Priest] ... and the power

supported by your mighty arm.

-[demonic growl]

[intense, dramatic music]

[goat bleating]

[birds chirping]

[machine whirring]

[crow cawing]

[water running]

[exhaling]

[faucet squeaks]

[distant bell tolling]

[Fr. Steiger] Brethren,

be strengthened in the Lord

and in the might of His power.

Put on the armor of God

that you might

withstand the devil.

Take unto you

the helmet of salvation

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God.

[woman clears throat]

As some of you

may be aware, um...

my brother

passed away this week.

And I--I wanted

to thank all of you

who have been so kind

as to send cards and flowers

and--and even food.

It's greatly appreciated.

[low murmuring and chatter]

-[Man] Thank you, Father.

-Our thoughts are with you,

Father.

God bless you,

your brother,

your whole family.

-Thank you, Chester.

[church bell tolling]

[door opens]

Good morning, sister.

-Hello, Father.

-Oh, Sister...

Would you speak

with Mother Superior

about the um...

[crunching]

-There is more

in the common room,

if you have a moment.

-Maybe I will.

[metronome ticking]

[sips softly]

-[knocks on door]

-[door opens]

[clears throat]

Your Excellency.

-Father.

How are you getting on?

-Ah, well, you know,

I'm, I'm...

-Yes.

Blessed are those

who mourn,

for they shall be comforted.

[lock latch clicking]

[latch snaps, clicks]

-This is another transfer?

-Hmm. No.

-[Fr. Steiger] These are

psychiatric reports.

This is a very troubled woman.

-[Bishop Edwards]

Yes. That's the problem.

They haven't found

anything abnormal.

The doctors, I mean.

-Well then,

there must be something.

Hissing at the sight

of a church?

That's...

How did this come to you?

-They've exhausted

all of the medical,

biological theories.

The woman's parish

wishes to attempt a...

solemn sacrament.

-A solemn sacrament,

you mean an exorcism?

And...

you would like me

to perform it?

-No. Some poor other soul

already has that distinction.

-Oh. And who is that?

-[Bishop Edwards]

Uh, Theophilus Reisinger.

Capuchin from up north,

I believe.

-Forgive me,

Your Excellency,

but if the Capuchin

has already been assigned,

why bring this to me?

-Well...

they'd like to carry out

the deed here.

-Here?

Your Excellency, if--

if this woman

has seen psychiatrists,

then she's, I mean....

clearly...

there must be, uh,

treatment more beneficial

to her than an exorcism.

There are many new remedies

for mental disorders.

I was reading an article--

-It's all but finalized.

Her address,

number of the transport,

it's right there

in the file.

They're expecting your call.

I understand.

And this is most unusual,

Father,

but the woman is desperate.

She's tried everything else,

but she's been suffering

for years, apparently.

We'll speak with

the Reverend Mother tomorrow,

after the morning Mass

-[clears throat]

[ominous music]

[metronome ticking]

-[Fr. Steiger] Yes,

your manager of operations,

please.

-[Man over phone]

One moment.

-Thank you.

[slow, haunting melody]

Yes, hello.

My name is...

Father Joseph Steiger.

I'm calling from

St. Joseph's Church

in Earling.

We have a passenger

who needs transporting

from her home in Marathon.

Do you have service

from Marathon?

-[man over phone]

Yes, we have.

-Good.

-[Man over phone]

What's her name?

-Her name is Emma Schmidt.

Miss Schmidt has...

a very sensitive condition

that any unwanted influence

could disrupt,

So, she will need

a private car,

just her and the driver.

And I would appreciate

your discretion.

[haunting music]

Yes, St. Joseph's Church

on Olive Street in Earling.

Members of our church

will be here to greet her.

[eerie music]

Thank you.

-[Man over phone]

Good day.

-Good day.

[soft thud]

[door opens]

-She's asleep.

We'll bring her food

when she's awake.

-Thank you, Sister.

I must fetch

Father Theophilus.

[slow, haunting melody]

[door opens]

-Oh, are you Father Steiger?

-Yes.

-Father Theophilus?

-Yes.

-Oh. [chuckles]

I was just on my way

to the station to meet you.

Oh, well.

I was waiting.

And then uh--

I'm so sorry

I wasn't there

to greet you.

-No, no.

-I was detained.

-No surprise.

The devil will do

whatever it takes

to foil our plans.

We must be ready.

[papers rustling]

[knock on door]

[door opens]

-[Fr. Steiger]

Thank you, Sister.

-[Fr. Theophilus] Thank you.

-Oh.

-Father Theophilus.

-Reverend Mother...

-[Mother Superior] Welcome.

-[Fr. Theophilus] Thank you.

-Come in, please.

-[clears throat]

-Have a seat.

So, I've been reading

Emma's files.

-Yes.

[tea pouring]

-Some very concerning

behavior.

And I am not

entirely convinced

that the problem

isn't psychological.

-Well, the task

will be handled

with as little disruption

as possible.

And I thank you,

Reverend Mother,

for allowing us

such a safe space

to treat the afflicted.

Thank you.

-Mm.

-[Father Theophilus]

What I need is a team of three

in the room

to assist with restraints,

transitions, shorthand.

Father Steiger

will be taking notes,

keeping an accurate chronology

of manifestations

and evidences.

We will start

each evening at sundown

and continue until a pause

is needed at my--

[crockery clattering]

-I'm sorry.

-[Fr. Steiger] Sister?

-[Sis. Rose] She--

she won't eat.

-[whispers]

What's happened, Sister?

-She won't eat.

I just went in her room

to give her her food

and, um,

[shuddering breaths]

she, um...

she reacted violently.

She...

almost hissed like a cat.

I've never heard

anything like it.

I just--

I don't know.

I don't know.

[shuddering breaths]

-Has the food been blessed?

-[Sister Rose]

I--I don't-- I don't know.

-Bring this to the kitchen.

And have Sister Antonella

prepare it.

Maybe just the rice and beans

from the giveaway.

And, um...

tell her not

to bless the food.

[whispers] It's all right.

Thank you, Sister.

[footsteps receding]

[door opens, hinges creaking]

Good evening, Emma.

I'm Father Steiger.

I'm the parish priest

here at St. Joseph's.

You'll be seeing

quite a bit of me.

You're very welcome here.

-[tremulous tone]

Nice to meet you.

[shivering breath]

-Is it your letters?

-Mm-hmm.

They're, uh--

to my mother.

-You don't see her often?

-[Emma] No.

She--she passed.

I put them on her grave.

-I'm so sorry.

-[softly] Thank you.

[groans]

[floor creaking]

[haunting melody]

Um...

Thank you.

God bless you for this.

-Goodnight, Emma.

[loud thud]

[objects clattering]

[eerie music]

[door closes]

[knocking on door]

-Father Steiger.

-[Fr. Steiger]

Good evening, Father.

How are you settling in?

-Oh, wonderful.

-[Fr. Steiger]

You have everything you need?

-Yes, thank you.

I'm fine.

-[chuckles]

Father, uh,

regarding the restraints

you mentioned,

Um, I feel

it might be safer to, uh,

forego them until Emma

can be examined.

Uh--

if her condition

is psychological, I feel--

-The problem

is not psychological.

Ninety-nine

out of 100 times,

someone contacts the church,

they are assessed,

referred to medical doctors.

And exorcism would

do nothing for them.

This is not that.

-Perhaps, uh...

[stammers]

Nevertheless,

I--I have a childhood friend

who is a medical doctor

in Salem.

He says he can examine Emma

in a week.

I feel we should forego

the restraints until then.

I do believe

the restraints

will be necessary,

but if you insist.

-Thank you, Father.

Goodnight.

-Goodnight, Father.

[soft haunting music]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Emma is not well.

I'm sure

that's quite apparent.

She's dehydrated,

malnourished,

tormented.

She suffers on levels

that we ourselves

cannot possibly fathom.

I know this is all unusual,

this aspect of our calling.

It will

be like entering

a foreign land to you.

So please, I ask you,

follow my instructions,

to the word,

and expect the unexpected.

Spiritually,

emotionally, physically,

though you may be new

to the ways of the enemy,

the enemy's ways are not new.

They're ancient.

It is important

that we work in unison.

The enemy will lie.

He will draw us into sin.

He will do

everything he can

to sow discord amongst us.

We are the Lord's army

in this battle.

We are together by His design

to save one of His children.

And to do that,

we must not see

each other as strangers.

For us to be divided,

is for us to fall.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Are we settled?

-I believe so.

-We begin with the Litany.

[praying]

Holy Mother of God,

Holy Virgin of Virgins,

St. Michael,

St. Gabriel,

St. Raphael,

all holy angels

and archangels,

St. John the Baptist,

St. Peter,

St. Paul,

St. Andrew,

St. James,

St. John,

all holy virgins

all holy saints of God.

-[Sisters]

Intercede for us.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Be merciful...

-[Sisters] Spare us, O Lord.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Be merciful...

-[Sisters] Graciously hear us,

O Lord.

-[Emma sputters]

-From all evil,

deliver us, O Lord.

From sudden

and unprovided death...

-[Sisters] Deliver us, O Lord.

[bed creaking]

-[Fr. Theophilus] From the

snares of the devil...

-[Sisters]

Deliver us, O Lord.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

From lightning and tempest...

-[Sisters]

Deliver us, O Lord.

-From the scourge

of earthquakes...

-[Emma gagging]

-[Sisters] Deliver us, O Lord.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

From everlasting death...

-[screams]

-By the mystery

of your holy incarnation;

-[Fr. Theophilus]

By your birth...

-[gurgling]

-Deliver us, O Lord.

-By your baptism...

-[Sisters]

Deliver us, O Lord.

-By your holy resurrection...

-[Sisters]

Deliver us, O Lord.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day

our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those

who trespass against us;

and lead us

not into temptation.

[Emma gagging]

-[Sisters]

But deliver us from evil .

[building crescendo]

[tapping]

-That's all for today.

Please return her to bed.

See that she is covered.

It will be cold this evening.

Hmm?

-[Sister Rose]

Yes, Father.

Emma?

Emma?

Emma?

-Let's get her...

[door opens]

back into bed.

-[Sister Rose grunts]

-Thank you, Sisters.

-[softly]

Goodnight, Father.

[faint voices]

[intense dramatic sting]

[haunting music]

-[Sister Camila] Sister Rose.

Sister Rose...

How was it?

-[Sister]

Was there any commotion?

-It was fine, Sisters.

-Oh, that's all--

-I mean, sure, we just--

-It was fine.

Excuse me.

[crow caws]

[door closes]

[wind rustling]

[paper rustling]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Psalm 53.

God, by Your name,

save me,

and by Your might

defend my cause.

-God, hear my prayer;

hearken to the words

of my mouth....

-For haughty men

have risen up against me,

and fierce men seek my life.

They set not God

before their eyes.

-[Sisters] Save me.

God is my helper.

The Lord sustains my life.

-Turn back the evil

upon my foes.

In your faithfulness,

destroy them.

-Freely

will I offer you sacrifice.

I will praise your name,

Lord in Jesus' name.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Save your servant.

-[Sisters]

All who trust in you,

my God.

[bones cracks]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Let her find in you, Lord,

a fortified tower.

-[Sisters]

In the face of the enemy.

[suspenseful music]

-[Fr. Steiger] Father?

-And let the enemy

have no power over her.

-[Sisters]

And the son of inequity

be powerless to--

-[Sister Rose]

Harm her.

[Sister Rose]

Father?

-Father?

-[Fr. Theophilus] Oh, no.

That shouldn't be.

Sisters, please.

Please?

Sisters!

-[Sister Mary Joseph]

Emma?

-Emma?

Back to the chair, please.

Oh, no.

Please.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Please, Emma!

-[Sister Rose]

Emma, please.

-[Fr. Steiger]

Emma, no!

Father!

-[mouths]

Are you going to repent,

-Father?

-[Sister Rose] Stop!

-Are you going to repent?!

-[Sister Rose cries softly]

Father?

Father, please.

-[Fr. Theophilus] No! Emma--

-Father?

-[Fr. Theophilus] No, Emma!

-[screams] No, no!

-[Fr. Theophilus] Stop, Emma!

-[Sister Rose screams]

No! [crying]

[flesh ripping]

[wailing]

[weeping in pain]

[hair snaps]

[wailing]

[faint voices]

[tense music]

[banging on door]

-Father,

what happened tonight,

it cannot be allowed.

You and I,

we have to--

She cannot be permitted

just to grab at a sister--

-She must be restrained,

Father.

I know this is new territory

for you and the sisters.

-My concern

about restraining her

-was out of consideration--

-No, no,

we'll ensure

it's done safely

for her protection and ours.

Please, I've done this before.

Let the young sister rest.

Another will stand

in her place tomorrow.

It's the only way, Father.

I hope you're right,

Father.

[tense music playing]

[slow, haunting music]

[knocks on door]

-Reverend Mother.

-Father.

-You wanted to see me?

-Yes, Emma.

What's happening with her?

Is--is progress occurring

or...?

-Progress, yes.

Uh...

That might be

a better question

for Father Theophilus.

-[sighs]

The medical report states

that a portion

of Sister Rose's scalp

was torn from her head.

It's right here.

[bell tolling]

[crow cawing]

-[Fr. Steiger] Sister.

-[sniffles]

Hello, Father.

-How are you feeling?

-Um...

Oh, the, um...

doctor in Kirkman today,

he gave me some ointment

and a softer bandage.

-[Fr. Steiger]

Good. May I?

-Yes, please.

[sniffles]

-Sister, I am so sorry.

I...

Going forward,

she will be restrained.

Perhaps she should have been,

from the start.

That is my fault.

I can only apologize.

-Father, I know that

she is profoundly ill

and not under her own control.

[sniffles]

But...

despite myself,

I was angry at her.

Asking myself

if God is punishing her

or if she's punishing us

for something.

I don't know.

I've never

felt such bitterness.

And I'm ashamed.

[sniffles]

-Sister, this is

a profoundly new

and strange situation

for all of us.

You are entitled

to your feelings

and you have nothing

to be ashamed of.

-Um, Father, will you...

-[whispers] Of course.

[prays in Latin]

-[sighs]

Thank you, Father.

-I hope you continue

to feel better.

-[sniffles]

[slow, haunting music]

-[shuddering breath]

-Sister?

[whispering]

The sooner we do this,

the sooner it's over.

-[mouths] All right.

-[Fr. Theophilus praying]

-I won't hurt-- I promise.

-[Fr. Theophilus praying]

--been through this before,

we're going to do it again.

Okay?

[book page rustles]

Let us pray.

God, whose nature

is ever merciful

and forgiving,

accept our prayer

that this servant of yours

may be pardoned

by your loving kindness,

Holy Lord,

Almighty Father,

everlasting God,

and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

-[Emma groans]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

who once and for all consigned

-that fallen

and apostate tyrant

to the flames of hell.

-[Fr. Steiger]

She's seizing.

Keep her head turned.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Careful, watch her legs...

-Father, this is a seizure.

Keep her head towards you.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Beside you.

[gagging, huffing breath]

-[Fr. Steiger] Hold her limbs.

Hold her.

[huffing breath intensifies]

[bones crackling]

-[Sister gasps]

-Stay back.

[paper rustles]

Therefore, I adjure you

every unclean spirit,

every specter from hell,

every satanic power

in the name

of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

to cease your assaults

against the creature

who He has formed

in his own honor and image.

[table thuds]

-[Sister Mary Joseph gasps]

I command you, unclean spirit,

along with all your minions,

now attacking

this servant of God

by the ascension

of our Lord Jesus Christ

that you tell me by some sign,

-your name--

-[soft growl]

and the day and hour

of your departure.

-It places the

filth in the corner.

-Speak plainly

and answer me now.

-[speaking Latin]

-[speaking Latin]

-[screeching scream]

[eerie music]

[door opens, closes]

-[indistinct prayer]

The Father, the Son,

the Holy Spirit.

Oh, Father...

-Father,

I need to speak with you.

What happened this evening

with the ritual....

How could she just--

-How is she--

-No, no, no.

It wasn't her, Father.

-What?

-It wasn't her.

-Yes, but the symptoms

she was exhibiting,

it seems to be almost--

almost like an epilepsy,

but there's no record

of this in the files.

-Father, our job is

to protect the afflicted

without giving the enemy

any more advantage

than is necessary.

Sometimes that will require

remaining in the dark

about certain things.

"There is more

to Heaven and Earth

than is even dreamt of

in our philosophy."

Hamlet, Shakespeare.

Good night, Father.

[faint whispering]

[floor creaks]

[unsettling music]

[faint voices]

[organ playing]

[screams]

[wailing]

[unsettling music]

[growling echoes]

[music fades]

[swing creaking]

[sniffles]

[drawer thuds]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

When time began,

the Word was there

and the Word was God.

And without Him,

there came to be

not one thing

that has come to be.

In Him was life,

and the life

was the light of men.

[retching]

[Emma coughing]

-She needs a bucket.

Fetch a bucket.

[tense music]

-Rid yourself

of that vile weed.

-Who speaks to us?

-[distorted] First,

remove the chaplet.

[shouts]

Remove the chaplet!

-No one here

carries a chaplet.

[bones crackle]

[shuddering breath]

[whimpers]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Bring that

to the chapter house,

and then you can return,

Sister.

[bucket thuds]

Now who speaks to us?

-How is your brother, Father?

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Tell me who you are!

-He still hanging on

by a thread?

-[Fr. Theophilus] Quiet!

-[hissing scream]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Tell me your name!

Tell me your name!

-[Fr. Steiger] Father--

-[Emma screams]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Tell me your name!

-Your name!

-[speaking German]

[speaking German]

[speaking German]

-[Fr. Theophilus in German]

[speaking German]

[gurgling and retching]

-She needs help.

-[Fr. Theophilus in English]

Emma, Let it out. Go!

[Emma retching]

[eerie music]

-[sighs]

[door creaks]

[suspenseful music]

[faint whispering]

[church bell tolling]

[melancholic music]

-Emma?

[tray thuds softly]

[tense music]

[Emma whimpers]

[unsettling music]

[knocks on door]

Come in.

Sister.

-Oh. Uh--Father, I'm...

I'm sorry. I didn't, um...

-No, it's quite all right.

Um--please.

-I, uh, I just was...

What are these?

Did she do those?

-Yes.

-[reading]

"What will you give me

if I deliver him

over to you?"

Is that Judas?

-Emma?

[Sister Mary Joseph gasps]

-[Sister Sarah] Ohh!

[ominous music]

[groan of disgust]

-[Sister Mary Joseph gasps]

-[Fr. Steiger clears throat]

-Oh, fetch,

uh, warm clothes.

Not too hot.

And, uh, extra pillows.

-[Fr. Steiger] Father,

what are we doing?

This is getting out of hand,

look at her.

She's in a dire state.

-[Father Theophilus] Yes.

-We are making it worse.

-[Father Theophilus] No.

-There was--a medical doctor

coming to see her on Monday.

Why don't we just wait

until he--

-Wait, wait, wait.

That's just what

they want us to do

is wait.

But we must continue.

Because if we

are inconsistent,

their grasp will harden

like cement.

They'll devour her

and you and me

and all of us.

-I just think with her

in this state-

-Enough!

If you do not want

to participate, Father

I accept your withdrawal.

The enemy will be delighted

with your absence.

-[Emma moaning]

Uuuunnngngngngnng...

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Emma, Emma.

Emma, poor child.

We're going to soothe you.

Do not fear,

for I am with you.

-[Emma whimpering]

-We must begin.

Almighty Lord,

Word of God,

the Father of Jesus Christ,

God and Lord of all creation;

who along with the other

mandates to work miracles

was pleased to grant them

the authority to say:

"Depart, you devils!"

And by whose might Satan

was made to fall

from heaven like lightning;

I ask this through you,

Jesus Christ,

[distorted, pulsing boom]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

our lord and God

Who are coming to judge

-[pulsing stops]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

both the living and the dead

and the world by fire.

[looming music plays]

-[speaking Latin]

-[Fr. Theophilus speaking Latin]

-[speaking Latin]

-[speaking Latin]

-[speaking Latin]

-[speaking Latin]

[Fr. Theophilus speaking Latin]

-[speaking Latin]

-[Fr. Theophilus speaking Latin]

[Sisters whimpering in fear]

-[Fr. Steiger]

Father--

-[Sister Rose] Father!

-Silence!

Unclean spirits!

Now haunting this woman,

give me your name!

[lights flickering]

See the cross of the Lord

[bed creaking]

and reveal yourself!

Reveal yourself!

[bed creaking]

Reveal yourself!

[metal clangs, thuds]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

The restraints!

-[Fr. Steiger] Sister!

-[Fr. Theophilus] Emma! Come!

-[Fr. Steiger]

I can't lift her.

[bone crunches]

[shrieks]

-[Fr. Theophilus] Emma!

-[screams]

-[Fr. Steiger] Get her hands.

-[Sister Mary Joseph wailing]

My hand!

--[Fr. Theophilus] Emma, no!

My hand!

[wailing]

-All right, enough!

Everybody out now!

Out!

I have uh, a sister

with a torn scalp.

I now somehow have one

with a crushed hand.

Am I to stand by

while she harms another?

What is happening in there?

How are we helping her?

She needs a--a doctor,

medical attention

or something.

-Do you have trouble seeing,

Father?

-Excuse me?

-It's clearly

you're not seeing

what is happening in there,

what's coming out

of this girl.

You're still

looking for some...

rational, modern explanation.

This has existed for eternity.

-I can see perfectly clearly

that this girl

is deteriorating.

And my job here, Father,

is to care for this parish

and those within it.

And I cannot simply sit there

while you drive this--

-Your task is to take notes.

You don't understand this.

You don't understand

these devils.

-It's very clear to me.

-What devils

-are you talking about?

-You have your theories,

you have your research,

you have your reports,

but you don't understand

the enemy.

-You don't.

-What if you're wrong?

What if you're wrong?

What if what she really needs

is a doctor?

What if what she really needs

is a psychiatrist?

-Trust me, Father.

We are paying a price

for your lack of faith.

-For my lack of faith?

-Yes.

-How dare you stand there

and--and say that my doubts

are causing what is happening

-to this poor girl!

-Because that is exactly

what happened in Redding!

-What are you talking about?

What happened in Redding?

-The ritual happened there!

I was called to perform it.

Emma and her mother,

they were desperate.

-Wait a minute,

wait a minute,

You knew Emma as a young girl?

-Yes.

-You didn't think to tell us?

You didn't think

that might be information

that could be useful to us?

Why is that not

in Emma's file?

This is what

I'm talking about, Father.

All these mystical,

cryptic sayings.

You drip-feeding

us information

as you see fit.

This has to end, Father, now!

-All right.

You want information?

-Yes.

-I'll give it.

For your sake.

Sit.

Listen to me, Father.

When I first came to Redding,

I had just recently

become an exorcist.

I had felt

I had the calling,

but I was unschooled.

I didn't have the tools.

Those assisting me

were uneducated too.

We couldn't cope

with what was happening

but we knew

she was possessed.

We abandoned her.

We surrendered her

over to the doctors.

And she herself,

like a miracle,

wrote me letters,

said she recovered.

She finished school.

She found a passion

for service, of course.

These devils,

these deceivers,

they were biding their time

inside her,

waiting for

the perfect moment.

And then it came.

When her mother died,

that gave them the opportunity

to seize their chance.

-Why Emma?

Why would they

snatch her life away?

Why not--

somebody else?

-Emma is a different

kind of person, Father.

She's a person of

profound sensitivity.

She is touched

by something otherworldly.

And with that kind

of vulnerability,

that openness,

any wound

like trauma, neglect,

involvement in the dark arts,

everything that

she was exposed to

as a child,

that's what allows

these invasions to occur.

To take root.

To degrade you.

To debase you.

And do the same

to those around you.

Us, Father.

We are the targets too.

Their goal is to make us

give up on God.

I really said too much

to you, Father.

Now even you are susceptible.

So please,

for all our sake,

we must continue.

We cannot abandon Emma

like this.

No.

I abandoned her once,

not again.

[melancholy music]

[crow caws]

-[deep breaths]

[dramatic sting]

Emma?

[door hinges creak]

[eerie music intensifies]

-[sighs]

"Amongst the hardships

Emma experienced

were the consistent rumors

and subsequent proof

that her father Jacob

and her mother's sister, Mina

entered into

an illicit relationship

and attempted to confound Emma

using...

witchcraft.

On several occasions,

Jacob and Mina

reportedly fed Emma food

which had been cursed

including fruit,

baked potatoes

and tobacco leaves."

[muttering under breath]

[footsteps approaching]

[knocking]

-[Sister Sarah] Father,

there's something

you need to see.

[door opens]

[sinister music]

[Emma coughing]

[footsteps approaching]

-[Fr. Theophilus] Ah.

-[faint coughs]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

What did you do?

What did you do?

[Mother Superior]

I don't understand

what is happening here.

Whatever this is

that you are doing,

it is failing.

The sisters are traumatized.

No one is sleeping.

Everyone for miles is--

is frightened and suspicious.

I want to shut this down.

I want to shut

this whole thing down.

I will give you one more week.

And if it is not over by then,

this whole

whatever this is must end.

We need to get back

to our lives

and leave all of this behind.

-I wish it to be over too,

Reverend Mother,

but I'm sure that the devil

does not bend to our calendar.

It will bend or don't bend.

It will not be

under this roof.

And I'm moving Emma

to the cellar.

-What? The cellar?

Is there even heat down there?

Those rooms have been

out of use for years.

-[Mother Superior]

It's done.

She is too dangerous,

too volatile.

This will be better for her.

It's more private

and more secure.

-[sighs]

-Father, can you excuse us,

please?

I need to talk

to the leader of our parish.

-Of course, Reverend Mother.

Father Steiger.

[door opens]

[door closes]

-Father, you don't look well.

If I didn't know better,

I would say

that you are losing control

of this situation.

You have invited something

into this community

that no one understands.

And everyone, including you,

is starting to be--

-Please, Reverend Mother,

please let me do my job.

This is my parish.

It is my responsibility.

And while I am grateful

for your concern,

I do not need

to be watched over.

Thank you.

-Father,

All my life

I have been taking

direction from men.

Men who are not

as smart as me,

not as disciplined,

and whose piety

pales in comparison

to the women of this convent.

I thought you were different.

But now...

perhaps we do need someone

who can provide the parish

with more stability.

-Perhaps you're right,

Reverend Mother.

[door opens, closes]

[sighs]

[bell tolling]

[shuddering breath]

[Sister Rose exclaims]

[panting]

[inhales]

[water dripping]

-[Dr. Fabian]

She's malnourished

and dehydrated,

but I don't see any infection

on the lesions

and the facial swelling

will go down.

She just needs rest.

-They're keeping her alive.

They're feeding off her.

There's something going on

inside of her

and it's affecting all of us.

Something is happening here

and she...

I--I--I don't know.

-Just get as much food

and water in her as possible

and if you see any signs

of infection, send word.

Take care of yourself, Joe.

[door opens, closes]

[church bell tolling]

-[munching]

[gags]

[coughs]

[speaking Latin]

[unsettling music]

[speaks in Latin]

[background hubbub]

-[Chester]

There's evil in the church!

[hubbub continues]

[Chester]

My cow's udders are dry.

Mama chickens aren't laying--

-[Boy]

There, there sir.

-[Chester]

Father, you gotta do something!

-[Boy]

There, there sir.

[building crescendo]

-Great God in Heaven,

that poor, poor creature...

Her condition,

is this how it started?

-No, no.

When she first arrived,

she was uh,

she was very thin and, uh,

there were scratches,

but nothing...

nothing like this.

And the doctor says

there's no basis

for committing her.

-Committing her?!

-Uh, well, I--

I-- I don't know.

Um...

what I do know is that

she continues to worsen

and if we do nothing,

if we--if she receives

no medical attention,

then she is almost

certainly going to...

-What?

-Well, almost certainly--

-She's going to what?

-She's going to die!

-She's going to die!

-Okay. Calm down!

The last thing

this parish needs

is a priest

breaking down outside.

[distant thud]

I know that brother's passing

weighs heavily on you,

but you are the parish priest

and you need to lead.

-[softly] Yes,

Your Excellency.

-[Bishop Edwards] Good.

[door opens]

[footsteps approaching]

-Hello, Father

-Sister. Please.

[sniffles]

[bench creaks]

-I was just preparing

for tonight's ritual,

so Sister Mary can rest.

-Preparing? [scoffs]

-Can I ask you a question?

Have you ever felt alone?

I just...

I was trying to pray

the Vespers and...

[sniffles]

it didn't feel

like anyone was listening.

-Well...

I wish I could

offer you some...

salient wisdom,

but the truth is...

the truth is...

I don't know what I'm doing.

How is your head?

-Uh...

It's fine.

I should go.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Holy Lord, Almighty Father,

everlasting God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who once and for all

consigned that fallen

and apostate tyrant

[door opens]

to the flames of hell,

[knuckles crack]

who sent your only

begotten Son into the world

to crush that roaring lion

Strike terror, Lord, into--

What?!

-Father, we have to stop.

-Father, please.

-Please stop.

-What? No!

-Father, we can't.

-Father, please.

Fill your servants

with courage

to fight mentally

against that reprobate dragon.

-[Emma roars]

Can you feel her touch,

Father?

Her skin against yours?

Next time he tries to f*ck you

you better open wide,

you stupid wh*re!

-[whimpering in fear]

-Almighty Lord,

Word of God

the Father of Jesus Christ,

God and Lord of all creation,

-[Emma] Are you leaving

your post so soon, Father?

-[Fr. Theophilus] Who gave

to your holy apostles--

-[Emma] There's a little extra

rope for you right up there.

[high pitch ringing]

-Serpents and scorpions.

-[Emma] Perhaps you can reunite

with your dear departed brother!

-Shut up! Shut up!

-[Fr. Theophilus] No, no, no.

-You don't know what

you're talking about.

I can't take it, Father.

This has to stop, Father.

This has to stop!

-I can't take it anymore!

-Hey! Just get out!

Catch your breath.

-I can't take it anymore!

-Go, go!

[objects clattering]

I humbly call

on your holy name,

-[gurgling]

-in fear and trembling,

-[Emma gurgling]

-asking that you grant me

your unworthy servant,

pardon for all my sins...

[dogs barking]

-[shuddering breath]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Steadfast me and the power

supported by your mighty arm.

-[Emma gurgling]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

This cruel and unnatural

-[Sister] I--I can't hold...

-No, no, no, no.

We have to turn her.

Turn her on her side!

-[Emma vomiting]

[dogs barking]

-[indistinct prayer]

-[Sister Sarah]

Emma? Emma?

-[Fr. Theophilus]

She would be dehydrated.

She needs to replenish

her fluids.

-[Sister Sarah]

Yes, Father.

[bones cracking]

[eerie music stings]

[metal clangs]

[vase shattering]

-[speaking Latin]

[eerie music]

[Sister Mary Joseph sobbing]

-In the name

of the Lord Jesus Christ,

Emma, can you hear me?

Emma, Emma.

[whispers] Emma. Sit here.

There, it's okay.

-[Mother Superior

whispering prayer]

[door opens]

[door hinges creaking]

[haunting music]

[floor creaks]

[faint voices]

[creaks]

[sighs]

Aaaah!

[dramatic sting]

-[speaking Latin]

-[Fr. Theophilus speaking Latin]

-[Demonic Figure speaking Latin]

[speaking Latin]

[haunting music]

[glass shattering]

[faint voices]

[glass cracking]

[faint voices]

[glass cracking]

-Sister Rose?

Sister Rose!

[glass cracking]

-[Sister Rose exclaims]

[dramatic sting]

[faint voices]

[scratching noises]

[voices murmuring]

[faint voices]

[clattering on wall]

[clattering stops]

[panting]

[glass cracks]

[whispers]

[glass cracking]

[dramatic sting]

[glass tinkling]

-Father?

[ominous music]

[panting heavily]

[blood gurgling]

[panting with fear]

[blood splattering]

[screaming] Aaaah!

[body thuds]

[music crescendos]

[music fades]

[panting]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Father Steiger...

-Father, I don't know

what's happening.

-[Fr. Theophilus] What?

Please, come in.

Come in.

[door closes]

-I'm sorry,

I feel like I'm being

drawn into something

and I-- I can't eat

I can't sleep,

I can't think,

Father, I can't think.

Uhm!

-Yeah. Yeah.

Sit--Sit down, Father

-[Fr. Steiger]

And Emma, Father.

Emma, she--

she haunts me, Father.

She haunts me.

How did she know?

How does Emma know

of my brother?

My brother, Father.

He...

He took his own life, Father.

A month ago,

he took his own life.

He was in so much pain

He was in so much pain,

Father.

And none of us knew.

None of us knew

until it was too late

and he was crying out

and I couldn't help him

because I was so preoccupied.

I was caught up in myself

in this stupid place.

-Please, sit.

Sit.

-I'm sorry, Father.

I'm sorry, Father.

I have no use.

-Here, Drink this.

It'll help

Thank you.

Thank you, Father.

[gulping]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

This is the enemy's mission,

to make us doubt ourselves,

God, our purpose on earth,

and most important:

cause us suffering.

I had a sister, you know.

Claire.

Disease was all over Europe.

Cholera, small pox, polio.

I was old enough.

I survived,

but many didn't.

After we lost Claire,

all the pain continued

for years.

Bigotry, censorship,

rising fascism

you name it...

Most of my family

succumbed to the turmoil.

It's what brought me here

to this country years ago.

And that's what brought me

to my calling.

-[whispers] Your calling.

-You understand, Father?

This grief,

all this suffering,

Job's in the desert,

Joan of Arc, yours, mine,

your brother's,

Emma's, everybody's.

It may look bleak,

but these trials,

these temptations,

they fortify us

for a greater good.

To grow into those

we are destined to be.

Our raison d'etre .

- Raison d'etre?

[sniffles]

-Yeah.

-I thought I was just

supposed to be taking notes.

I'm just making things worse,

Father.

-You're not a spectator,

Father.

You are a priest.

You must understand

your own importance, please.

Your faith,

your intelligence,

your commitment.

-I don't understand my faith.

-Remember, Father,

Emma had no one.

No parish wanted

any part of her.

They wouldn't touch her.

Yet you...

and the Reverend Mother

and the sisters,

you all accepted this task

like great warriors.

Because when the word

of the Lord

is spoken through us,

with commitment and passion,

even Satan must listen.

Like Saint Michael

defending the glory of God

in battle.

It's the most powerful

weapon we have.

-I found a Saint Michael

medallion

in my brother's things.

I was...

looking through them

the other night.

My brother's name

was Michael.

[sniffles]

[glass clattering]

[water spilling]

[faint voices]

-[Emma screams]

[glass breaks]

-[Emma screams]

[glass breaks]

[objects clattering]

[Emma wailing]

[crying]

[footsteps approaching]

[birds chirping]

-Ah!

[church bell chiming]

What?

Hmm?

[paper rustles]

-So I, uh,

I wrote this letter...

before I came.

Would you place it

on my mother's grave

in Redding.

-Please?

-You will place it there

yourself, not me, Emma.

You're holding on

too tight, Father.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

I won't hear of it, Emma.

-It's too deep.

-Please.

-I owe it to you.

I owe it to my mother.

[melancholic music]

It's too deep.

-It's cold.

Let's go.

Emma's condition is dire.

These devils,

they found their way

into her core,

her sinew.

So once we begin tonight,

we can't stop.

Because if we let up

or give the enemy

time to mend,

we will lose her forever.

So if you need a moment

to rest, go.

If you need water,

food or fresh air,

take respite.

We must be resolute

because we are the ones

that stand in the breach.

And hold back the darkness.

Even if it means

we don't come back from it.

[haunting music]

Attention Beelzebub,

and all manner of brutes

and hellions

tormenting this woman.

-[speaking Spanish]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

In the name of the Father

and of the Son,

-[speaking Spanish]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

and of the Holy Spirit.

-[speaking Spanish]

-[Fr. Theophilus] Let your

mighty hand cast him out of

-[Camila speaking Spanish]

-[Fr. Theophilus] Your servant.

-[speaking Spanish]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

So he may no longer hold...

Sister, do not listen.

-[speaking Spanish]

-[Sister Camila

speaking Spanish]

-Sister!

-[speaking Spanish]

[speaking Spanish]

-[Emma speaking Spanish]

[speaking Spanish]

[music stings, fades]

-[Sister Camila grunts]

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Ah-- Oh!

Help!

-[mocking whiny voice]

Their little cries.

I drowned them, one by one,

each one screamed

more than the last.

[speaking German]

[speaking German]

-[Fr. Theophilus speaking Latin]

[dramatic music stings, fades]

[door opens, closes]

-Thank you,

Reverend Mother.

[gentle music]

-[speaking Polish]

[speaking Polish]

[speaking Polish]

[speaking Polish]

-[speaking Polish]

[speaking Polish]

[door closes]

-[sighs]

[distant clatter]

[screaming]

[footsteps receding]

[door opens]

-Sister.

What happened?

-She was just--

I don't know, I never seen--

she just came across like a...

-What happened?

Where is she?

-She's in the catacombs.

-Tell everyone else

to get into their rooms.

-Yes, Father.

[footsteps]

-What is happening?

-Emma's escaped...

-Where did she go?

-The catacombs, I think...

-Just go!

Go!

I'll tell the sisters.

Go!

Sisters, come!

Come quickly to my chambers!

[door opens]

-[Father Steiger] Emma?

-Emma?

-Emma?

-It's all right.

It's all right.

Come, we'll be safer

in here.

Come, quickly.

Quickly.

-[shuddering breaths]

[faint voices]

-[Sister Rose] Emma?

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Emma?

[eerie music swells, stops]

Ahh!

[wings flapping]

[creaking]

[Sister Rose gasps]

[Fr. Theophilus] Emma?

-[Demonic Figure]

Father.

[faint voices]

[speaking Latin]

[Sister Rose praying]

-[Sister] Mother?

Yes, it's all right.

It's all right.

-[Sister shuddering]

[haunting music]

[water dripping]

-[shouts] She's here.

I found her!

Emma?

[gate clanking]

Emma?

Emma?

Emma?

Emma?

Sister?

[footsteps approaching]

Where's Father Theophilus?

-I, uh--

[shouts] We found her!

She's here.

-[Fr. Steiger]

She's not breathing.

Father?

She's--

I don't know.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Check for bleedings.

-There's no sign of blood.

She's not breathing.

Her pulse is--

is very faint.

-[Sister Rose]

No, no. She can't die.

She can't die.

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Emma?

Emma speak to us.

Something is blocking

her breath.

-We need to get her up.

Okay sister,

we need more light.

[Fr.Steiger] Come on.

-[Fr. Theophilus] Yes.

-[Fr.Steiger] Let's get her up

[dramatic music swells, stops]

[Emma retching]

-[Sister Rose]

Father-- Oh.

-[Fr. Steiger] Emma?

Wake up.

[faint voices]

[bone crack]

-[speaking Latin]

[sinister music]

-[Fr. Steiger] Emma?

-[Fr. Theophilus]

Call to her. Call to her.

[whimpering]

[objects clattering]

[light bulb flickering]

[whimpering in fear]

-It is through the devil

I speak now.

It is God himself

who commands you.

God the Father commands you.

God the Son commands you.

God the Holy Spirit

commands you.

It is He who commands you.

He who once stilled the sea

and the wind and the storm!

Hearken, therefore,

and tremble in fear, Satan,

you enemy of the faith,

you foe of the human race.

See the light, Emma!

See the light!

You corrupter of justice,

you root of all evil and vice;

you begetter of death,

you robber of life!

You are guilty,

before Almighty God,

guilty before His Son,

guilty before

the whole human race.

He who is coming to judge

both the living and the dead

and the world by fire!

[Emma growling]

Emma!

Look at the light, Emma!

Depart, Jacob.

-[Demonic growl]

Depart, Mina.

-[Demonic growl]

-Depart, Judas.

Betrayer of Jesus Christ!

Depart, Asmodeus,

Sathanas,

Leviathan, Beelzebub,

And all Princes of Hell

within this servant of God,

depart!

Depart!

-[Emma whimpers]

-[Fr. Theophilus] Emma...

Don't let go.

Hear the voice of God.

Hear us.

Here, [indistinct]

[low growl]

[glass shatters]

-Come.

Come, be careful.

Our Father,

who art in heaven,

hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

-[Fr. Theophilus] Emma, Emma.

I have you.

I have you.

[dramatic music]

-Saint Michael

of the Archangels,

illustrious leader

of the heavenly army

defend us in the battle

against principalities

and powers against the rulers

of the world of darkness.

-[Sisters praying]

Holy Mary, Mother of God

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour

of our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid

of the Lord:

Be it done unto me

according to Thy word.

-Carry our prayers up

to God's throne

that the mercy of the Lord

may quickly come

and lay hold of the Satan

and his demons,

casting him into chains,

into the abyss,

so that he can no longer

seduce the nations.

He has cast you forth

into the outer darkness

where everlasting ruin awaits.

You are guilty before His Son,

our Lord Jesus Christ,

whom you dared to nail

to the cross.

You are guilty before

the whole human race,

to whom you proffered

by your enticements

the poisoned cup of death.

Therefore, I adjure you,

profligate dragon,

in the name

of the spotless Lamb,

to depart this woman

and to depart

from the church of God.

-[spirits scream and shriek]

-[Emma gasps]

[Sisters whimpering in fear]

[shuddering breath]

-Emma?

Hi, Emma.

Emma.

Is it over?

[Emma whimpers]

[melancholy music]

[eerie music]

[eerie musical stings, fades]

[slow, haunting music]