The Ritual Movie Review: A Slow-Burning Horror With Depth and Dread
The Ritual is a psychological horror film that manages to deliver both spine-tingling scares and emotional complexity. Set in the hauntingly beautiful yet menacing forests of Scandinavia, this movie blends folk horror elements with a deeply personal story of grief, guilt, and survival. It’s a chilling ride that leaves a lasting impression, not just because of its supernatural elements but also its human vulnerability.
Story and Execution
The story revolves around four friends—Luke, Dom, Hutch, and Phil—who embark on a hiking trip to honor their deceased friend Rob. What begins as a journey of remembrance quickly turns into a nightmare when they decide to take a shortcut through a dense, unmarked forest. Inside the woods, they encounter a series of eerie signs, abandoned structures, disturbing dreams, and ultimately, a terrifying ancient entity.
What sets The Ritual apart from standard horror is its character-driven narrative. The film isn’t just about surviving an external threat—it’s about facing internal demons. Luke, in particular, is weighed down by guilt stemming from Rob’s death, and the forest serves as a physical manifestation of that inner torment. This gives the film a layer of psychological horror that’s both unsettling and meaningful.
Visuals and Atmosphere
Visually, The Ritual is stunning. The cinematography captures the oppressive beauty of the forest—towering trees, mist-covered paths, and an ever-present feeling of being watched. The location itself becomes a character, creating an atmosphere of claustrophobic fear. The darkness feels almost alive, and the natural surroundings work perfectly to support the film’s ominous tone.
The use of light and shadow, particularly in the night sequences, is masterful. Strange symbols carved into trees, animal carcasses hanging in the branches, and abandoned houses filled with creepy relics contribute to the film’s eerie ambiance. It’s not a film that throws jump scares in your face—its horror seeps in slowly, like fog settling over a graveyard.
Creature and Horror Elements
The creature in The Ritual is not revealed immediately, and this restraint pays off. When the monstrous entity finally does appear, it’s both horrifying and mesmerizing. Inspired by Norse mythology, the creature design is original and surreal—something that stays in your mind long after the film ends. It’s a perfect blend of myth and nightmare, adding depth to the folklore aspect of the story.
The horror is both psychological and physical. The nightmares experienced by each character intensify their vulnerability and tension within the group, leading to paranoia, breakdown, and ultimately sacrifice. The pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing tension to build naturally rather than relying on cheap thrills.
Performances and Characters
The performances are grounded and authentic. Rafe Spall as Luke delivers a standout performance, capturing the inner conflict and emotional trauma of a man trying to make peace with a haunting past. The group dynamics feel real and relatable, which makes their unraveling all the more tragic and gripping.
The tension between the friends escalates naturally, and each character’s response to fear and danger adds realism to the supernatural story. This emotional honesty strengthens the narrative and enhances the impact of the horror elements.
Final Verdict
The Ritual is a powerful blend of traditional horror tropes and psychological storytelling. It doesn’t rely on gore or relentless jump scares—instead, it immerses viewers in a slow-burning atmosphere of dread and introspection. The emotional depth, eerie setting, and unforgettable creature design make it a standout in modern horror cinema.
If you’re looking for a horror film that goes beyond surface-level scares and delves into the emotional scars we carry, The Ritual is worth your time. It’s haunting in the best way—lingering in your mind like a nightmare you can’t quite shake.