The Ritual (2017)
A group of college friends reunite for a trip to the forest, but encounter a menacing presence in the woods that's stalking them.
Details
Budget
$1,000,000
Rating
6/10 (3066 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Entertainment One, The Imaginarium, Sierra/Affinity
About The Ritual
Four friends embark on a hiking trip in a remote Swedish forest to honor a deceased friend, but their journey quickly turns into a nightmare when they encounter a menacing presence. The film blends psychological horror with folk horror elements, as the group grapples with grief and guilt while being stalked by an ancient entity. The story utilizes the isolation of the Scandinavian wilderness to amplify the characters' fears and the growing tension within the group.
The narrative explores themes of survival, friendship, and the burden of past actions. As the friends confront the supernatural threat, they are also forced to confront their own internal demons. The film maintains an eerie atmosphere throughout, building suspense through unsettling visuals and a pervasive sense of dread. Its portrayal of Norse mythology and pagan rituals adds a distinct flavor to the horror.
Directed by David Bruckner, "The Ritual" draws from Adam Nevill's novel, providing a creature feature with psychological depth. The movie effectively uses its setting and the personal struggles of its characters to create a compelling horror experience. It holds a 6.4 rating on IMDb and a 74% approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why you might be searching for The Ritual
People are often looking for "The Ritual" because of its unique monster design and the unsettling folk horror elements, particularly its setting in the Swedish wilderness. The way the movie combines creature horror with psychological tension and themes of grief also makes it memorable for viewers.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer was surprised by the film's quality, given its generic title and lack of promotional material, strongly recommending it.
Read the full reviewA review notes the film's blend of elements from "The Blair Witch Project" and "Ogre," praising its cinematography and the creature's design, which isn't fully revealed until late in the film.
Read the full reviewOne viewer appreciated the authentic character relationships and the gradual build-up of suspense, finding the climax to be fresh and imaginative, despite some minor pacing issues.
Read the full reviewA reviewer felt the first half of the film was strong, especially a particular house sequence, but that the quality declined after the monster's full appearance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Ritual" on Netflix. It is also available to buy on DVD.
No, "The Ritual" is not based on a true story. It is a supernatural psychological folk horror film based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Adam Nevill.
At the end of "The Ritual," Luke escapes the cult's settlement after refusing to worship Moder, the giant moose-like jötunn that the cult sacrifices to. He confronts Moder, strikes it with an axe, and runs towards an open field. Moder, unable to leave the forest, roars at Luke as he defiantly screams back and eventually finds a road.
"The Ritual" generally received positive reviews, with an approval rating of 74% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its evocative Scandinavian setting and dedicated cast, noting its effective use of sound and creepy production design to create a pervasive sense of dread.