The Bridge Curse 2: Ritual (2023) Review – A Stronger Supernatural Horror Sequel

 

The Bridge Curse 2: Ritual (Original Title: 女鬼橋2：怨鬼樓) | 2023 | 1h 41m
Genre: Horror/Mystery/Thriller | Country: Taiwan
Director: Lester Hsi | Writers: Keng-Ming Chang, Huang Yen Chiao, Po-Hsiang Hao
Cast: Tzu-Hsuan Chan, Ning Chang, J.C. Lin, etc.
IMDb: 5.3
My Rate: 9/10

In an attempt to continue developing her brother's AR game after a mysterious accident leaves him in a coma, Yu Ting becomes trapped in a supernatural event that puts everyone's lives in danger.

Warning:

Contains scenes of violence and suicide.

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Synopsis of The Bridge Curse 2: Ritual

Yu Ting (Tzu-Hsuan Chan) and her colleagues try to continue developing an Augmented Reality (AR) game that was originally created by her brother, Kai (Patrick Shih). Kai suffers a mysterious accident while testing the game and ends up in a coma in the hospital. Yu Ting, who loves her brother dearly, tries to fulfill his final dream while hoping that he will eventually regain consciousness.

The game features three supernatural legends from the university: "One-Man Hide-and-Seek," "Four Corners," and "The Lift." The first legend requires players to find a doll while making sure they are not discovered by the ghost inside the ballet studio. The second legend takes place in the library and must be performed simultaneously with four other participants. The final legend takes place inside an elevator that is believed to connect the human world with the spirit world. Kai suffered his accident while testing the final game, "The Lift."

According to the legend, many supernatural events occur in the building because it stands on a boundary between dimensions. There was also a mistake in the building's architecture. The building was supposed to be constructed in a way that would prevent supernatural beings from entering. Instead, it was built incorrectly, allowing supernatural beings to enter but leaving them unable to escape.

After completing the game, the team has to conduct a final test. Yu Ting is assigned to be the player. During the first legend, she experiences a supernatural event that frightens her. However, she accidentally notices a sign on the door of the dance studio whose meaning is known only to her and Kai.

Yu Ting believes Kai was the one who left the sign as a warning about the danger that might occur. While going through Kai's belongings, Yu Ting discovers a notebook containing the ritual or procedure for performing the third legend. She then decides to perform the ritual and experiences an even more terrifying supernatural event.

Yu Ting watches Kai's final video recording again and realizes that his soul may be trapped inside the building. The lantern Kai used during the ritual was left inside the elevator when the accident happened. Yu Ting then asks the campus security guard to help her find the lantern.

Will Yu Ting succeed in saving her brother?

 

Review of The Bridge Curse 2: Ritual

The Bridge Curse 2: Ritual has a similar theme to its predecessor, The Bridge Curse (2020), which revolves around supernatural legends connected to a university. The difference is that this time, the legend takes place in a different location—a university with supernatural architecture. Although viewers may initially feel that the story has no connection to the first film, the relationship between the two eventually becomes clear and is presented quite well.

The connection between the first film and this sequel is revealed in an unexpected way. Although the story initially feels unrelated, it is better for viewers to watch the first film before watching this one so they can understand the story more clearly. The twists will also have a greater impact.

At the beginning of the film, there is a scene in which the Thai language is used, and the ritual itself is also written in Thai. This is slightly confusing because the ritual takes place in Taiwan. Why is Thai being used? However, this is only a small part of the film and does not have a major impact on the overall story.

Compared to the first film, this sequel shows significant improvement. The camera techniques, cinematography, and transition effects are more polished. The choice of music and sound effects also fits each scene well. The storyline and acting can likewise be considered stronger.

Tzu-Hsuan Chan delivers a good performance, particularly through her expressions and the way she portrays Yu Ting. Her acting has also been recognized since her appearance in On Children (2018). The supporting actors also perform very well and don't feel stiff. There is also noticeable growth in J.C. Lin's acting, especially since he appeared in the first film.

Spoiler Alert. The time-loop sequence in the film is reminiscent of No Escape Room (2018) and In the Tall Grass (2019). Of course, by introducing the idea of a time loop, the film also becomes trapped in some confusing logic. Viewers may find it difficult to determine where the beginning of the story actually is.

Overall, this film shows significant improvement and is worth watching. It successfully presents a fairly frightening story with an unpredictable twist.

 

Memorable Scene

Spoiler Alert. Yu Ting finally manages to find her brother, but bringing him back is not easy. Suddenly, when the oil in the lantern they are carrying runs out, Yu Ting's brother turns into ash.

In this scene, we can clearly feel the emotional turmoil and sadness experienced by Yu Ting. How could she not? Yu Ting has worked so hard to find her brother and faced so many dangers along the way, only to lose him again right in front of her eyes.

 

Memorable Dialogue

"You'll do anything to save your brother?"

 

Ending

Twist Ending

 

Recommendation

Must Watch

 

(Aluna Uwie)

 

Had been published in Alunauwie.com
"This article was originally written in Indonesian and has been adapted into English for international readers."

Read also:
The Bridge Curse Review, the first film that introduced the Taiwanese campus legend behind this supernatural horror series
Interchange Review, a Southeast Asian mystery film blending folklore, culture, and supernatural elements
Sehidup Semati Review, an Indonesian horror film that explores fear through psychological and social realities