The Ritual (2017) Movie Review

 

The Ritual | 2017 | 1h 34m
Genre: Folk Horror/Monster Horror/Horror/Mystery/Thriller | Country: UK
Director: David Bruckner | Writers: Joe Barton, Adam Nevill
Cast: Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier
IMDB: 6.4
My Rate: 7/10

Phil, Dom, Hutch, and Luke go hiking on Kungsleden (King's Trail) in Sweden as a fulfillment of their previously planned trip and also to remember Rob, their friend who was murdered during a robbery. However, the journey leads them to a dangerous dark secret related to a terrifying creature that threatens their lives.

Warning:

Violent scenes, harsh language, alcohol, nudity

 

Synopsis:

Phil, Dom, Hutch, Luke, and Rob gather at a bar to discuss their holiday plans where Rob suggests they go hiking in Sweden. The proposal is well received by the others except Luke, who feels it would be difficult to do. After the conversation, they go home together.

Luke invites Rob to buy drinks at a convenience store near their bar. However, an unexpected event occurs. Rob dies as a result of an attack by robbers inside the convenience store. Meanwhile, Luke survives because he hides behind a corridor of goods.

Six months later, Phil, Dom, Hutch, and Luke realize their plan to hike. They do this to remember Rob’s passing. After paying their last respects by placing Rob’s photo, they continue their journey. However, Dom accidentally injures his knee.

The journey ahead is still long. Hutch finds an alternative faster route but it must pass through the forest, not the usual trail. Luke disagrees with this, but Dom feels it will be more advantageous. They start walking into the forest.

The journey is not as easy as they imagined. They find strange and unexpected events such as animals hanging unnaturally between trees and an empty house with a strange figure in the upstairs room. They experience strange nightmares while spending the night in that house, including a strange wound on Luke’s chest.

Luke realizes that something is wrong, especially after he sees a large terrifying dark figure. However, Dom feels Luke is just pretending to be scared because he is a coward. Dom still blames Luke for Rob’s death. An argument breaks out between them, unaware of the danger lurking around them.

Will they survive the mysterious figure?

 

Review:

This film is based on the 2011 novel by Adam Nevill with the same title. It is set in Kungsleden (King's Trail), a hiking trail in northern Sweden about 467 kilometers long between Abisko and Hemayan. The story idea is quite interesting, featuring the Germanic mythology figure, the jötunn 'moder,' depicted as a giant deer.

The story foundation is built well with clear background explanations of the characters and the plot. Their trip to Sweden is a fulfillment of a promise to Rob, who has passed away. Then Dom’s injury forces them to find an alternative route considered faster to complete their hike.

Conflict arises gradually with increasing tension between characters and the setting. The first tension appears when they find animals hanging in trees and other strange events. Eventually, they face the terrifying hidden figure.

The story resolution is done well. The explanation of what they face is presented clearly. The audience finally gets to see the hidden figure. Character development is also well portrayed. Unfortunately, the tension during the fights feels somewhat lacking.

Each character has a distinct and consistent personality. Dom appears as an annoying and stubborn figure who often causes problems from start to finish. Hutch looks like the leader of the group. Luke has an avoidant attitude, making him a 'coward' and awkward. Phil seems less prominent but often acts as a mediator.

The acting is quite good though nothing special. Cinematography is well done, with some scenes showing necessary details. The choice of sound and music fits the scenes well. One area to improve might be the dialogues, as some feel inappropriate for the situation and do not show their concern about the danger.

Some unanswered questions remain, such as the origin of the people living in the forest performing rituals and the origin of the mummies in the house. One slightly illogical point is Moder’s ability to chase Luke, while earlier Moder was depicted as a figure with high speed that can easily catch its prey.

Overall, this film is interesting to watch, especially for filmmakers who enjoy horror stories related to mystical creatures.

 

Memorable scene:

Phil, Dom, and Luke find Hutch’s body hanging between the trees. They are filled with fear and realize the unsafe atmosphere. However, they still try to give their last respects to their friend by taking down his body and covering it with tree branches. In this scene, we see how much they truly care for each other, even though arguments often happen among them.

 
Memorable dialogue:

"I can't lose all of you"

 

Ending:

Cliffhanger

 

Recommendation:

Worth to Watch

 

(Aluna)