The Ritual movie review

David Bruckner’s Netflix film, The Ritual, based on Adam Nevill’s novel, examines friendship, guilt and the horrors that exist in both the wilderness and the human mind. With its eerie atmosphere and unsettling images, this 2017 British horror movie stands out in the genre because of its clever blending of psychological and supernatural elements.

Despite not being a hit when it was first released, The Ritual soon developed a dedicated fan base, especially among those who enjoy atmospheric, slow-burning horror.

The film’s ability to create tension and its unique combination of psychological worries with ancient stories were hailed by critics. The film gained recognition as one of the most notable horror productions of 2017 because of its unique take on the “lost in the woods” trope.

The Ritual is set in Sweden, although most of it was shot in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. The area was chosen by the filmmakers because of the foreboding, ancient woodland. This perfectly conveys the sense of loneliness and innate terror.

The players’ realistic portrayal of anxiety and exhaustion was enhanced by the rough terrain and severe weather. The physical challenges of the production were difficult due to the real-world setting, yet these circumstances added to the overall dreadful atmosphere of the movie.

The story focuses on four friends, Luke (Rafe Spall), Phil (Arsher Ali), Hutch (Robert James-Collier) and Dom (Sam Troughton), who set off on a hiking trek in Sweden’s isolated woodlands to honor their late friend Rob.

The group is plagued by Rob’s death during a violent robbery that Luke saw but was too scared to stop. The film’s psychological framework, which centers on facing one’s literal and metaphorical inner demons, is established by this guilt and contributes significantly to the emotional strain.

The Ritual is excellent at creating a spooky atmosphere right from the beginning. With its tall trees and ominous shadows, the forest takes on a life of its own, creating feelings of fear and loneliness. As the group delves further, it becomes clear that they are facing a demonic presence in addition to their individual internal conflicts.

As the friends’ physical and emotional weaknesses become apparent, the film’s pacing gradually heightens the suspense. Every character shows a distinct reaction to stress and fear: Dom’s skepticism transforms into panic, while Luke, overcome with guilt, unwillingly assumes leadership. As supernatural powers prey on their vulnerabilities, Spall’s portrayal of Luke, whose guilt becomes key, is striking.

The Ritual then introduces a supernatural being connected to Norse mythology and when it takes a conventional horror turn. The group comes across a dangerous and demonic creature. Its unique design takes the movie just above the level of a typical monster movie by mixing mythology and psychological terror.

Despite having several well-known horror clichés, The Ritual challenges them with some character development. It goes further than conventional horror because of its exploration of grief, guilt and fractured friendships that gives it more emotional weight.

The Ritual can be found on Netflix with a mature rating.

Movie poster courtesy of Netflix