The Ritual (2017)
The Ritual (2017), directed by David Bruckner, is a psychological horror film based on Adam Nevill’s novel. The story follows four friends on a hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness to honor a deceased friend. However, their journey turns into a terrifying ordeal as they become lost in an ancient forest where a sinister presence lurks. As supernatural horrors unfold, the group is forced to confront their past guilt, fears, and a dark force beyond their understanding. With chilling atmosphere, folklore-inspired horror, and psychological depth, The Ritual delivers an eerie and unsettling experience.
The Ritual (2017), directed by David Bruckner, is a gripping psychological horror film that blends supernatural terror with themes of grief, guilt, and survival. Adapted from Adam Nevill’s novel, the film follows four friends Luke (Rafe Spall), Dom (Sam Troughton), Hutch (Robert James-Collier), and Phil (Arsher Ali) who embark on a hiking trip in Sweden to honor their late friend, Rob. However, their journey takes a dark turn when they decide to take a shortcut through a dense and ancient forest, unknowingly entering a place of unfathomable horror.
From the moment they step into the forest, an overwhelming sense of unease takes hold. Strange symbols carved into trees, disturbing visions, and unsettling noises at night begin to haunt them. Tension grows as the group experiences terrifying hallucinations and glimpses of a monstrous entity that seems to be stalking them. At the heart of the film is Luke, who carries the guilt of failing to intervene when Rob was killed in a robbery. His internal struggles manifest through the supernatural horrors they encounter, making The Ritual as much a psychological drama as it is a horror film.
The film’s cinematography is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the eerie vastness of the Scandinavian wilderness. The forest is oppressive, filled with towering trees and shadows that conceal unspeakable horrors. The suspense builds gradually, allowing the audience to feel the same paranoia and fear as the characters. When the true nature of the entity stalking them is revealed rooted in ancient Norse mythology the film takes a terrifying and unexpected turn, offering a unique and chilling monster design that lingers in the mind.
At its core, The Ritual is about survival, both physically and emotionally. It explores how unresolved trauma can consume a person, just as the supernatural force in the forest preys on weakness and fear. The performances, especially by Rafe Spall, add depth to the film, making the terror feel grounded and personal.
In conclusion, The Ritual (2017) is a masterfully crafted horror film that delivers a chilling blend of psychological tension and folklore-driven terror. With a gripping atmosphere, strong character dynamics, and a truly unsettling creature, it stands as one of the most underrated horror films of recent years. Perfect for fans of slow-burning, atmospheric horror, The Ritual is an unforgettable and terrifying experience.
What's Your Reaction?
