The Ritual

A hiking trip turns into a nightmarish journey

Watch on Netflix
About The Ritual

Released: 2018

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 34m

Cast
Arsher Ali, Rob James-Collier, Rafe Spall, Sam Troughton

About The Ritual

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About

The Ritual is a horror movie released in 2018. Directed by David Bruckner and written by Joe Barton, it is based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Adam Nevill. The movie follows a group of friends who embark on a hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness, only to encounter an ancient evil presence.

The plot revolves around the trauma and guilt experienced by the main character, Luke, after he witnesses the brutal murder of his close friend during a convenience store robbery. Seeking to honor his friend's memory, Luke agrees to go on the hiking trip that their group had planned before the tragedy.

As the group treks through the remote forest, they soon find themselves lost and unable to find their way out. They stumble upon an unsettling abandoned cabin, which contains an eerie effigy and other strange symbols. Their fear and paranoia escalate as they become increasingly aware that they are being stalked and tormented by a malevolent force.

The Ritual combines elements of psychological horror with supernatural elements, creating a tense and atmospheric experience for viewers. The movie explores themes of grief, guilt, and the power of belief in the face of darkness.

Making / Production

The Ritual was produced by Imaginarium Productions and released by Netflix. Director David Bruckner and screenwriter Joe Barton collaborated closely to adapt the novel into a screenplay that captured the essence of the original story.

The production team faced challenges in bringing the eerie and foreboding atmosphere of the Swedish wilderness to life. They utilized practical effects and carefully crafted set designs to create an immersive and unsettling environment for the characters and audience.

Actors

  • Rafe Spall as Luke - The main protagonist haunted by guilt and grief.
  • Arsher Ali as Phil - Luke's friend and a member of the hiking group.
  • Robert James-Collier as Hutch - Another member of the hiking group.
  • Sam Troughton as Dom - The fourth member of the group.
  • Paul Reid as Robert - Dom's brother, seen in flashbacks.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The cabin seen in the movie was constructed in a forest in Lithuania and took several weeks to complete.
  • The movie's monster, known as the Jötunn, was portrayed by a combination of practical effects and computer-generated imagery.
  • The Ritual received positive reviews from critics and was praised for its atmospheric tension and psychological horror elements.
  • The film's ending differs from the novel, offering a more ambiguous conclusion.

Awards

The Ritual has not won any major awards, but it has been well-received by horror movie fans and critics.

Quotes

  • "We should have gone to Ibiza like we talked about." - Phil
  • "We're not safe here. You need to wake up!" - Luke
  • "We have to try." - Hutch
  • "He saw us. He saw us and chose to bother someone else." - Dom

Music

The movie's score was composed by Ben Lovett and contributed to the suspenseful and eerie tone of the film.

Soundtrack

  • "Invocation" - Ben Lovett
  • "Trapped" - Ben Lovett
  • "The Ritual" - Ben Lovett
  • "Lost" - Ben Lovett