The Ritual (2017): Hiking Trip Becomes a Nightmare in the Woods

Introduction

Ever feel like your friends are dragging you on a trip you’d rather skip? Well, imagine that trip involves a remote Swedish forest and a terrifying, ancient entity. That’s the premise of David Bruckner’s The Ritual (2017), a folk horror gem. This isn’t your typical jump-scare fest; it’s a slow-burn descent into primal fear, wrapped in a surprisingly poignant story about grief and guilt. So, grab your hiking boots (and maybe a crucifix), because we’re diving deep into the woods.

The Ritual taps into that deep-seated fear of the unknown lurking just beyond the campfire’s glow. It’s the kind of movie that makes you think twice about that spontaneous camping trip your buddy suggested. But beyond the creature feature thrills, there’s a human element that truly elevates this film, making it more than just a monster movie. It’s a journey into the darkness, both external and internal.

A Hike Gone Terribly Wrong

The story kicks off with a group of four college friends – Luke, Phil, Hutch, and Dom – reuniting for a hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness. This isn’t just any reunion; it’s a way for them to honor the memory of their fifth friend, Robert, who tragically died in a convenience store robbery six months prior. Luke, in particular, is still grappling with the trauma of witnessing Robert’s death, a guilt that hangs heavy over him.

Their initial plan is a straightforward trek, a chance to reconnect and escape their everyday lives. However, Dom, nursing a recent divorce and a general sense of despair, suggests they take a shortcut through an ancient forest.

This, as you might have guessed, is where things start to go sideways. The forest itself feels oppressive, ancient, and unwelcoming, a character in its own right.

The Unfolding Terror (Spoilers Ahead!)

As the friends venture deeper, they stumble upon a strange, abandoned cabin. Inside, they find unsettling artifacts and symbols, hinting at a dark history. Soon after, they begin to experience disturbing visions and are stalked by an unseen presence.

The forest seems to actively work against them, disorienting them and playing on their deepest fears and regrets. Luke, haunted by his inaction during Robert’s murder, becomes particularly susceptible to the psychological torment.

The entity they encounter is Jötunn, a monstrous, ancient creature from Norse mythology, specifically a child of Loki. It feeds on fear and guilt, manifesting in terrifying ways. The group is systematically picked off, each death more brutal than the last. Hutch is killed by the creature, and Phil is later sacrificed by a cult of villagers who worship Jötunn, believing they can appease it by offering sacrifices. Dom, already injured, succumbs to his wounds and the psychological toll.

Luke is left to face the creature alone. He discovers that the villagers, including a seemingly helpful woman they met earlier, are part of a cult that has worshipped Jötunn for centuries, offering it human sacrifices to protect their village. In a desperate final confrontation, Luke uses his lighter to set fire to the creature, which is vulnerable to fire, and manages to escape the forest, though forever scarred by his ordeal.

Release and Initial Buzz

The Ritual premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2017, as part of the Midnight Madness program. It was later released on Netflix worldwide on February 9, 2018.

The film garnered a generally positive reception from critics, who praised its atmosphere, creature design, and the performances of its cast, particularly Rafe Spall. Its release on Netflix gave it a wide reach, allowing it to find a significant audience among horror fans.

The Cast: Facing the Unseen

The strength of The Ritual lies in its ensemble cast, who convincingly portray the deteriorating bonds of friendship under extreme duress. Their chemistry feels authentic, making their descent into terror all the more impactful. The weight of their shared past and individual traumas is palpable, adding layers to the horror.

• Rafe Spall as Luke: The protagonist, haunted by guilt over his friend’s death.
• Arsher Ali as Phil: One of the friends on the ill-fated trip.
• Robert James-Collier as Hutch: Another member of the group.
• Sam Troughton as Dom: The friend who suggests the shortcut through the woods.
• Paul Reid as Robert: The friend whose death is the catalyst for the trip.
• Matthew Needham as Junkie
• Jacob James Beswick as Fiend
• Maria Erwolter as The Host

Behind the Terrifying Woods

Director David Bruckner, known for his segment in V/H/S, brought a distinct visual style and a knack for building dread to The Ritual. The film was written by Joe Barton, who adapted the screenplay from Adam Nevill’s 2011 novel of the same name. The production team, including producer Andy Serkis, aimed to create a folk horror experience that felt both ancient and deeply personal.

While specific on-set stories and filming locations aren’t detailed in the provided data, the film’s success in creating a claustrophobic and menacing forest environment is undeniable. The practical effects used for the creature, Jötunn, are particularly noteworthy, contributing to its visceral and terrifying presence. The design of the creature itself draws heavily from Scandinavian folklore, giving it a unique and unsettling appearance.

The Official Trailer

Check out the official trailer for The Ritual to get a taste of the terror that awaits:

Impact and Legacy

The Ritual has carved out a significant niche for itself within the modern horror landscape. It’s often cited as a prime example of elevated horror, blending creature features with psychological depth and thematic resonance. Its success on Netflix introduced it to a global audience, solidifying its status as a cult favorite. While not a franchise starter in the traditional sense, its impact can be seen in the continued interest in folk horror and atmospheric, character-driven scares.

Where to Experience the Nightmare

The Ritual is readily available for streaming on Netflix for subscribers. For those who prefer physical media, Blu-ray and DVD editions can be found through various online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores. It’s a film that rewards a good home viewing setup, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the chilling atmosphere of the Swedish wilderness.

Further Terrors to Explore

If The Ritual has you craving more folk horror or creature features with a psychological edge, consider exploring these other titles:

• The Witch (2015): Another atmospheric folk horror film that delves into paranoia and religious extremism.
• Midsommar (2019): A visually stunning and deeply unsettling film about a couple’s trip to a Swedish commune.
• Hereditary (2018): A masterclass in dread and grief, with a supernatural element that creeps under your skin.
• The Babadook (2014): A powerful exploration of grief and motherhood, manifested as a terrifying entity.

A Haunting Conclusion

The Ritual (2017), more than just a monster movie; it’s a compelling exploration of guilt, grief, and the primal fears that bind us. David Bruckner delivers a film that is both viscerally terrifying and emotionally resonant, anchored by strong performances and a palpable sense of dread. The creature design is memorable, and the folk horror elements are expertly woven into the narrative. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, reminding us that sometimes, the scariest monsters are the ones we carry within ourselves. If you’re looking for a horror film that offers substance alongside its scares, The Ritual (2017) is an absolute must-watch.

Where to Buy / Watch

BUY The Ritual [DVD] [2017]

Sources

• The Movie Database (TMDB)

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