The Ritual (2017) Review

When it comes to horror films, there's a special place for those that blend psychological tension with the supernatural. That's where The Ritual, a 2017 release directed by David Bruckner, finds its home. This film, based on Adam Nevill’s novel, takes us deep into the Scandinavian wilderness and mixes eerie folklore with personal trauma. If you're a collector of modern horror, this is one you might want to consider adding to your collection.

Plot Summary

The Ritual centers around a group of four friends who embark on a hiking trip in the Scandinavian mountains to honor their recently deceased friend. What starts as a journey of healing and remembrance quickly turns nightmarish when they decide to take a shortcut through the woods. Without giving too much away, it's safe to say that the forest harbors a malevolent presence that forces the friends to confront not only the supernatural but also their own inner demons. The film keeps you on edge with its mysterious atmosphere, and the plot unfolds with a balance of suspenseful pacing and chilling revelations.

Performances

The performances in The Ritual are commendable, with each actor bringing a distinct energy to the group dynamic. Rafe Spall leads the cast as Luke, a man haunted by past decisions, and his portrayal is both intense and relatable. Spall does a fantastic job of capturing the internal conflict his character faces, making you empathize with his journey. Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier, and Sam Troughton round out the group, each adding layers to the story with their portrayals of friends grappling with their grief and fear. Their chemistry is believable, painting a convincing picture of long-time friends pushed to their limits.

Direction and Craft

David Bruckner, known for his work on horror anthologies and films like V/H/S, brings a keen eye for tension and atmosphere to The Ritual. The way he uses the dense, foreboding forest as both a setting and a character in its own right is impressive. The cinematography, helmed by Andrew Shulkind, captures the eerie beauty of the wilderness, enhancing the film's unsettling mood.

The sound design also deserves a nod. It plays a crucial role in building suspense, with every rustle of leaves and distant howl adding to the sense of impending doom. The Ritual's score, composed by Ben Lovett, complements the film's tone by weaving unsettling melodies that linger long after the credits roll. Bruckner's direction ensures that the film never loses its grip on the viewer, maintaining a balance between psychological horror and physical threats.

Collector's Verdict

If you're considering adding The Ritual to your collection, the Blu-ray format is your best bet. Its visual quality captures the film's atmospheric cinematography perfectly, and the sound design benefits immensely from the enhanced audio capabilities. As for its rarity, The Ritual is relatively common, so you shouldn't have much trouble finding it at a reasonable price. This movie is a solid addition to any horror enthusiast's library, offering a blend of psychological depth and supernatural thrills.

In conclusion, The Ritual is a strong contender in the modern horror genre. It combines a gripping story with standout performances and impressive direction. If you enjoy films that explore the darker aspects of human nature while delivering supernatural scares, this one is worth your time.