The ritual – Netflix Movie | Review

“The Ritual” follows a group of four friends—Luke, Phil, Dom, and Hutch—who embark on a hiking trip in the dense forests of Sweden to honor their friend Rob, who was killed in a robbery incident six months earlier. What begins as a journey of remembrance soon spirals into a harrowing fight for survival.

As they venture deeper into the forest, they stumble upon strange symbols carved into trees, unsettling altars, and the remains of a worshiped deity. Each night brings horrifying nightmares, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The group’s unity begins to unravel, exacerbated by Luke’s guilt over Rob’s death and the tension among them.

When Hutch is found brutally murdered, the remaining friends realize they are being hunted by an ancient Norse deity known as “Jötunn.” The creature, a manifestation of fear and guilt, preys on their weaknesses, forcing each of them to confront their darkest memories. The deity’s followers, a group of deranged villagers, reveal that they worship the creature in exchange for protection, immortality, and power.

Phil and Dom are soon captured and sacrificed to the deity, leaving Luke alone. He discovers a way to escape, but not before he confronts the creature in a terrifying final showdown. Luke’s victory is not just over the beast but also over his internal demons—particularly his guilt over Rob’s death. As dawn breaks, Luke stumbles out of the forest, having survived the ordeal, but forever changed by the horrors he witnessed.

Honest Review

“The Ritual” is a gripping horror movie that expertly blends psychological tension with supernatural horror. The film’s strength lies in its atmospheric setting and the gradual build-up of dread as the characters navigate the forest. The use of Norse mythology adds a unique twist to the horror genre, and the creature design is genuinely terrifying. The character development is solid, particularly Luke’s journey from guilt-ridden friend to a survivor who faces his fears head-on. However, some viewers might find the film’s pacing slow in the first half, as it takes time to establish the backstory and dynamics among the friends.

Why to Watch

If you’re a fan of horror that delves into both the supernatural and the psychological, “The Ritual” is a must-watch. The film offers a fresh take on the genre with its blend of Norse mythology and modern-day fears. The forest setting is eerily beautiful, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the tension. The film also explores themes of guilt, friendship, and survival, making it more than just a typical horror flick. “The Ritual” is a chilling experience that will leave you questioning what lurks in the dark corners of the human psyche.