I’ve heard (and read) a lot of good reviews of this movie, so I’ve decided to give it a shot. After all, it’s British and It’s horror, so… impossible not to, right?
Here’s the plot, straight from Rotten Tomatoes: “Following the sudden, violent death of their best mate, four young men reunite for a hike through the Scandinavian wilderness. Deep in the black, Nordic forest they find themselves lost in a hell of sinister nightmares and pagan sacrifices. For these ancient woods are home to a malevolent deity which will force them to face the darkness inside themselves.”
As I said, reviews have been generally quite cool. For a taste of it, just read this one, that defined it “one of the best-kept secrets in recent horror history.” Now, it’s not that I disagree completely: this movie has its moments, especially in its eerily frightening Swedish landscape and thrilling horror creatures.
I don’t want to give spoilers here, so I won’t comment on the end, also because it is not what put me off in this otherwise interesting movie.
What did not convince me at all was the characters’ interaction. While at some moments it reminded me somehow the movie The Descent (2005) in reverse -(same-sex friends outdoor adventure plot) – I have to admit the Ritual is less subtle and more cliche than the Descent. Predictable, too. You knew since the beginning what was going to happen, which is not the case with the Descent where the relationships were more nuanced and open to different outcomes.
With all its shortcomings, the Ritual remains an interesting horror movie, better than your average horror. Write it down.
Just finished it last night (over several broken sessions). I have to agree with your review. The relationships made this better than average for me. The monster was unique and done subtly enough to give me chills. Several instances of me jumping. I’m not usually one for horror, but this really worked. I’d recommend it too.
Yes, that monster was scary enough and the Swedish forest definitively creepy…!